Scleroderma disease is a disease that primarily affects the skin, but is a chronic disease that can affect many vital organs. As with most connective tissue diseases, the disease is more common in women. When the disease is left untreated, it can cause death with serious organ involvement.
What are the Complaints of Scleroderma Patients?
The first sign of the disease is called raynoud sign. They are complaints of yellowing and bruising in the hands and feet due to cold. These complaints begin months or years before the onset of the disease. Similar complaints may occur in situations such as stress other than cold. Months and years after Raynoud's sign, skin thickening and hardening symptoms develop. Forehead wrinkles begin to disappear, lines around the lips, thinning of the lips, and wounds on the fingertips may begin to appear.
Internal organ involvement of the disease progresses insidiously. Particularly heart and lung involvement is of great importance. Cough, increasing shortness of breath, and palpitations are important findings.
How is Scleroderma Disease Diagnosed?
In people with a completely established disease, the diagnosis can be made when the patient enters the examination room. . However, in cases that come earlier, capillaroscopy examination in which we evaluate the patient's statements, examination findings and nail beds will be diagnostic. Blood tests can help in diagnosis in a significant portion of patients.
How is the Treatment of the Disease?
In scleroderma patients, it is necessary to determine the organs involved for treatment. . For this, a very good physical examination is required. Apart from this, every patient must definitely have tests, tomography and echocardiography film for heart and lung evaluations, and respiratory tests. Treatment is arranged according to the findings obtained here. The patient is given medications for long-term use. In addition to the initial treatment of the disease, follow-up is of great importance. A rheumatologist must constantly monitor blood tests and other tests.
In addition to drug treatments, he must also give general recommendations to patients. is required. General recommendations are given such as absolute protection from cold, sun protection, and quitting smoking.
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