Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Musculoskeletal Disorders > Connective Tissue > Scleroderma (2)
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen. Progressive systemic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis, the generalised type of the disease, can be fatal. The localised type of the disease tends not to be fatal. The term 'localised, generalised sclerderma' can be used to describe cases where the disease covers a large area of the body - typically more than 40%.
Signs and symptoms
Scleroderma affects the skin, and in more serious cases it can affect the blood vessels and internal organs. The most evident symptom is the hardening of the skin and associated scarring. Typically, the skin appears reddish or scaly in appearance. Blood vessels may also be more visible. Where large areas are affected, fat and muscle wastage will weaken limbs and affect appearance.
The seriousness of the disease varies hugely between cases. The two most important factors to consider are the level of internal involvement (beneath the skin) and the total area covered by the disease. For example, there have been cases where the patient has no more than one or two lesions (affected areas), perhaps covering a few inches. Less serious cases tend not to involve the internal bodily functions.
More on [ Scleroderma ]
Arthritis
Skin Disorders :: Conditions and Diseases
About.com: Scleroderma - News, information, and support for patients with scleroderma.
Meta Description: [ Scleroderma cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is both a rheumatic disease and a connective tissue disease. Scleroderma is actually a symptom of a group of diseases complicated by abnormal growth of connective tissue. The two main classes are localized scl... ]
International Scleroderma Network - Resource for medical and support information including symptoms, treatments, clinical trials, and support group listings.
Juvenile Scleroderma Network, Inc. - Organization that is working to provide educational programs about JSD, and to help children and their families to gain a better understanding.
Scleroderma - Information from the Arthritis Foundation.
Meta Description: [ Arthritis Foundation ]
Scleroderma - Information from the Mayo Clinic.
Meta Description: [ Scleroderma — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this disease that involves skin thickening. ]
Scleroderma - Handout from the National Institutes of Health.
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Scleroderma - Information sheet.
Meta Description: [ Hunter Area Pathology Service, Australia, The Hunter Region's quality pathology provider ]
Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium - Information about this international organization which is dedicated to finding a better treatment for this disorder. Includes current studies and a newsletter.
Meta Description: [ An international organization dedicated to finding better treatment for scleroderma. ]
Scleroderma Society - Offers support and information. Includes an introduction, news and a message board.
Meta Description: [ scleroderma society web site ]
Scleroderma Society of Canada - A non-profit society raising awareness of and funding for research and a cure. Good factual information about this disease.
The Scleroderma Foundation - National nonprofit health organization with 14,000 members, dedicated to a three-fold mission of support, education, and research to help fight this challenging autoimmune disease.
Meta Description: [ The Scleroderma Foundation is a national nonprofit health organization dedicated to a three-fold mission of Support, Education, and Research to help fight this challenging autoimmune disease. ]
The Scleroderma Research Foundation - Information about the organization, research, mailing list and resources.
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