Scleroderma

Overview

Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. It presents clinically with skin thickening and hardening and often involves the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and joints.

Symptoms

• Skin hardening
• Raynaud phenomenon
• Joint stiffness
• Pigment changes

Treatment

There is no cure; treatment is mainly symptomatic and immunomodulatory, with warmth and management of Raynaud phenomenon.

Dietary advice

Eat balanced meals in small frequent portions, stay warm, and avoid cold and raw foods.