How to Treat Scleroderma Symptoms Naturally?

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the body’s connective tissues. It results in the excessive production of collagen, which causes the skin and other organs to become thickened and hardened.
The exact cause of scleroderma remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and an overproduction of collagen.

There are two main forms of scleroderma: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma primarily affects the skin, leading to thickened patches, and tends to have a milder progression. In contrast, systemic scleroderma not only impacts the skin but also damages internal organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms can differ depending on the organs involved and may include Raynaud’s phenomenon (where fingers and toes change color due to cold or stress), joint pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. Treatment typically focuses on alleviating symptoms and monitoring the impact on internal organs.

What’s Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a group of chronic skin diseases linked to an overactive immune system. This autoimmune condition affects the connective tissues, which provide support and structure throughout the body. In scleroderma, the body produces excess collagen, leading to thickening and hardening of the skin and other tissues due to fibrosis, or scar tissue formation.

Because it is an autoimmune disease, scleroderma causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues. The condition is progressive and long-lasting, gradually worsening over time, and can impact muscles, skin, and internal organs.

The activation of the immune system can damage small blood vessels and the surrounding tissues, leading to scar tissue development and an increased buildup of collagen. As a result, individuals with scleroderma may experience a variety of symptoms that can vary based on the extent of the disease and the organs involved.

What is the Prevalence of Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune condition with a variable prevalence across different individuals and populations. It is more common in women and typically manifests between the ages of 20 and 40.

• Variation Among Individuals: The prevalence of scleroderma can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors such as genetic background and environmental influences.
• Gender Disparity: Women are more frequently affected by scleroderma, with the disease being about 3 to 4 times more common in females than in males.
• Age of Onset: Scleroderma is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur at any age.
• Racial and Ethnic Differences: Certain racial and ethnic groups may be more prone to developing scleroderma, with higher prevalence observed in African American and Asian populations compared to Caucasians.
• Geographical Variations: The prevalence of scleroderma can also vary by region, with some studies suggesting higher rates in North America and Europe, while it may be less common in parts of Asia and Africa.
• Rare but Severe Cases: Though rare, scleroderma can develop in children and older adults, but these cases tend to be less common and can present differently than in younger adults.

What Are the Causes of Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disease, and its exact cause is not fully understood. However, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers.

• Unknown Exact Cause: The specific cause of scleroderma remains unclear, but it is linked to the immune system’s abnormal response.
• Autoimmune Response: It occurs when the immune system becomes hyperactive, stimulating cells in connective tissue to produce excess collagen.
• Excess Collagen Production: The overproduction of collagen leads to the thickening and scarring of tissues in the skin and internal organs.
• Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases may be more likely to develop scleroderma.
• Environmental Triggers: Factors such as exposure to industrial solvents, viral infections, and radiation treatments may trigger the disease in genetically predisposed individuals.

What is the Classification of Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is assessed into 2 varieties i.e., localized scleroderma and systemic scleroderma

Localized scleroderma- it is the fragile type

• It principally impacts the pores and pores and skin nonetheless could include muscle mass, bones, and joints.
• Inside organs aren’t affected by one in all these scleroderma.
• Indicators include morphea (exhausting oval-shaped patches on the pores and pores and skin), streaks or bands of thickened pores, and pores and skin on the arms, face, and legs.

Systemic scleroderma– as an alternative choice to delicate, it is probably the most important kind of scleroderma which entails the pores and pores and skin, joints, muscle mass, blood vessels, kidneys, coronary coronary heart, lungs, and loads of completely different organs.

What Are the Indicators of Scleroderma?

• Stiffness, Puffiness, and Tightness of Fingers: The skin on the fingers becomes tight and difficult to move.
• Swelling in the Feet and Fingers: This is especially noticeable in the morning and may worsen throughout the day.
• Pitting Ulcers on the Fingertips: Small, crater-like sores can form on the tips of fingers, often painful.
• Red Spots on the Fingers and Face: These spots, called telangiectasia, are small, dilated blood vessels visible through the skin.
• Calcium Deposits in Connective Tissues: Hard lumps of calcium can form under the skin or within tissues, often causing discomfort.
• Thickened and Hardened Skin on the Fingers: The skin becomes tight and shiny, sometimes leading to restricted movement.
• Dryness of the Eyes or Mouth: This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and difficulty with swallowing or speaking.
• Muscle Weakness: Loss of muscle strength and endurance can occur, especially in the limbs.
• Pain or Inflammation in the Joints: Joints may become swollen and painful, particularly in the hands and wrists.
• Diarrhea: Digestive issues, including frequent diarrhea, can result from gut involvement.
• Bloating: Excess gas and bloating can occur, often associated with gastrointestinal problems.
• Heartburn: Due to esophageal involvement, acid reflux can cause persistent heartburn.
• Esophageal Problems: Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, can occur as the esophagus becomes stiff and narrowed.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and exhaustion are common, affecting daily activities.
• Shortness of Breath: In severe cases, the disease can affect the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing.
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Fingers and toes may change color (white, blue, or red) in response to cold or stress due to blood vessel constriction.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries may lead to shortness of breath and fatigue.
• Organ Involvement: Scleroderma can impact vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and lungs, leading to more severe complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Scleroderma?

• Thick and Hardened Skin: The skin becomes thick, tight, and shiny, often appearing translucent. This symptom is more pronounced in colder weather, and the fingers and toes may change color, turning red, blue, or white, a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• Ulcers or Sores on Fingertips: Painful ulcers or sores may develop at the tips of the fingers, often leading to discomfort and difficulty with hand movement.
• Red Spots on the Chest and Face: Small red spots, called telangiectasia, may appear on the face and chest due to dilated blood vessels under the skin.
• Dyspnea (Breathlessness): Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially with physical exertion, can occur as scleroderma affects the lungs and other internal organs.

Recommendations on the Right Way to Diagnose Scleroderma?

Diagnosing scleroderma can be challenging due to its varying forms and potential impact on multiple systems. A thorough evaluation typically involves a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies like a CT scan of the lungs, and an echocardiogram of the heart. Additionally, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the Ayurveda View of Scleroderma?

It occurs because of an imbalance throughout the 3 doshas leading to disruption of twak, raktadhatu, mamsadhatu, and ambhu. This sickness may be managed by sustaining the stability between the doshas.

There are quite a few herbs to be used throughout the administration of scleroderma as follows-

Herbs for Managing Scleroderma

1. Gandhak (Purified Sulfur):

• A pure treatment is understood for its efficacy in pores and skin well-being.
• Helps fight bacterial pores and skin infections.
• Absorbs moisture from the surroundings, selling wholesome pores and skin.
• Aids in eradicating useless pores and skin and bringing forth more healthy pores and skin from beneath.

2. Neem:

• A robust herb that addresses varied pores and skin points.
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory and blood air purifier, serving to scale back aches and irritation related to scleroderma.
• Antiseptic and therapeutic properties assist in pores and skin restoration.
• Boiling neem leaves in water for day-by-day baths will help alleviate signs.

3. Ashwagandha:

• An adaptogenic herb that helps detoxify the physique.
• Reduces fatigue by eliminating gathered toxins.
• Strengthens the physique, supporting total vitality and resilience.

4. Curcumin (from Turmeric):

• Recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Will increase blood provide to joint tissues, supporting immune operation.
• Helps fight irritation, making it useful for managing scleroderma signs.

5. Arjuna:

• Helps wholesome circulation and detox.
• Aids in sustaining stability among the many three doshas.
• Offers power and power to the physique, selling total well-being.

6. Triphala:

• A mix of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), Triphala is understood for its detoxifying properties.
• It helps in bettering digestion and metabolism, which could be useful for total pores and skin well-being.
• Wealthy in antioxidants, it aids in lowering irritation and helps the immune operate.

7. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul):

• This resin is understood for its anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.
• Guggulu helps in detoxing and promotes circulation, which can be useful in managing signs of scleroderma.
• It helps the immune system and helps scale back swelling and aches.

8. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):

• Famed for its cognitive advantages, Brahmi additionally has adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• It helps scale back stress and anxiousness, which could be useful for people managing continual sicknesses.
• Helps pores and skin well-being and aids in total detoxing.

9. Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata):

• Recognized for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, Kanchanar is used to stabilize the doshas.
• It helps lymphatic well-being and helps with the elimination of poisons from the physique.
• It’s usually beneficial for pores and skin circumstances and helps promote wholesome pores and skin regeneration.

10. Tulsi (Holy Basil):

• Tulsi is well known for its quite a few well-being advantages, together with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic properties.
• It helps the immune system and helps scale back stress, which may exacerbate autoimmune circumstances.
• Common consumption of Tulsi tea or leaves can promote total pores and skin well-being and well-being.

A Couple of the Habits Which Have to Be Modified to Deal With This Sickness

• Eat Soft and Moist Foods: Since chewing hard foods can be difficult, opt for easy-to-chew and moist meals.
• Follow an Alkaline Diet: Incorporating an alkaline-based diet may help in managing symptoms and promoting overall health.
• Engage in Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and enhance circulation.
• Limit Bathing Frequency: Reducing the frequency of long, hot baths can prevent skin dryness and irritation.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can worsen circulation issues and negatively impact lung function, so it’s crucial to avoid it.
• Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin by applying sunscreen before going outdoors to avoid sun damage and complications.
• Avoid Spicy Foods and Alcohol: These can irritate the digestive system and worsen symptoms like heartburn or gastrointestinal distress.
• Avoid Harsh Soaps and Detergents: These can dry out and irritate sensitive skin, so choose mild, gentle products.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body well-hydrated and to support overall health.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Since dryness in the mouth is common, practicing excellent oral care is essential to prevent further complications.

Creator Bio – This textual content was written by Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – AYURVEDA). He is a talented Ayurvedic practitioner primarily based in Chandigarh, India, and doing his utility in Mohali, India. He is spreading the details about Ayurveda (Historic therapeutic remedy), not solely in India but additionally abroad. He is the CEO and Founding father of Planet Ayurveda Merchandise, Planet Ayurveda Clinic, and Krishna Pure Agency.