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Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis,
is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of
the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
The word “scleroderma” comes from two Greek words: “sclero” meaning
hard, and “derma” meaning skin. Hardening of the skin is one of the most
visible manifestations of the disease. The disease has been called
“progressive systemic sclerosis,” but the use of that term has been
discouraged since it has been found that scleroderma is not necessarily
progressive. The disease may take several forms which will be explained
later. There is also much variability among patients. Scleroderma
is not contagious, it is not infectious, it is not cancerous or
malignant. |
Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma
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How serious is
scleroderma?
Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms of scleroderma vary
greatly from individual to individual, and the effects of scleroderma
can range from very mild to life-threatening. The seriousness will
depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which
they are affected. A mild case can become more serious if not properly
treated. Prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified
physicians may minimize the symptoms of scleroderma and lessen the
chance for irreversible damage.
Who develops
scleroderma, and when?
It is estimated that there are approximately 300,000 persons with
scleroderma in the United States, including 80,000 to 100,000 with the
systemic form and the rest with the localized form. International
incidence is unknown, but it has been reported worldwide. Statistically,
approximately three to four times more women than men develop the
disease. Scleroderma can develop and is found in every age group from
infants to the elderly, but its onset is most frequent between the ages
of 25 to 55.
Factors other than sex, such as race and ethnic background, may
influence the risk of getting scleroderma, the age of onset, and the
pattern or severity of internal organ involvement. The reasons for this
are not clear. Although scleroderma is not directly inherited, some
scientists feel there is a slight predisposition to it in families with
a history of rheumatic diseases.
What causes
scleroderma?
The exact cause or causes of scleroderma are still unknown, but
scientists and medical investigators in a wide variety of fields are
working hard to make those determinations. |
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Clinical
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"Stepping
Out to Cure Scleroderma" Walk, October 1, 2006
Washington, D.C. Chapter Walk, Oct. 3, 2004.
Where: Rock Creek Regional Park - Lake Needwood, 6700 Needwood Lake
Circle, Rockville, Maryland.
Directions: Beltway 495 to Georgia Avenue towards Wheaton. Turn left
onto Norbeck Rd. (Rt. 28) then right onto Muncaster Mill Rd. (Rt. 115).
Go 2.96 miles and turn left onto Needwood Rd.. Turn into Lake Needwood
Recreational Park, Beach Drive. Continue to 4-way stop sign. Beach Drive
becomes Needwood Drive. Follow road to the right. Continue past second
stop sign to next parking lot; sign will say “Hiker’s Trail.” Turn right
into parking lot. For further directions, go to www.MapQuest.com (6700
Needwood Rd., Rockville, Md.). |
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