login
Become a member
Quick Registration
Full Registration Benefits -
Free Homepages for Doctors
Free Homepages for Hospitals
Free Homepages for Medical Conference
Free Homepages for NGO's
Personal Health Record Creation
Access to all Medical Slides
Access to all Jobs & Products Sale
Expert Stress the Need for More Research on Scleroderma
Some studies indicate that environmental factors may be involved in causing the disease. Scleroderma is likely a multigenic disease with environmental components serving as triggers. These environmental factors possibly trigger scleroderma in individuals with a susceptible genetic background, explains Feghali-Bostwik.
Scleroderma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic many other diseases, especially if the joints are involved. If scleroderma is suspected, a doctor often takes a thorough history. During the physical exam, the doctor will check for thickened or hardened areas on the skin.
Raynauds phenomenon, which is a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ear and nose, can be a sign of scleroderma. Doctors may order blood tests and/or take a tissue sample. People with scleroderma often have an elevation of certain antibodies and increased collagen production on skin biopsy.
There is currently no cure for scleroderma, but the symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment. Topical treatments such as moisturizers and corticosteroids may help ease the skin symptoms. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs can ease joint stiffness and circulation problems can be addressed with calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors, which are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Other medications can help with digestive or pulmonary issues. More research is needed to shed light on this disease and hopefully make more progress toward a cure.
Source-Newswise
SRM
|
|
|
More News on: Life Stressors, Palpitations And Arrhythmias, Life Stress, Stress Relief Through Alternative Medicine, Stress and the Gender Divide, Andropause / Male Menopause, Headache / Cephalgia, Heart Attack- Lifestyle Risks, Scleroderma, Is Your Man Moody?
 Comment & Contribute
|
Medwonders Health Network
- Health News Index
|
|
- News Quick Links
 |
Scleroderma
Complete Medindia Resources
|
| News Categories: |
| » | Report: A Lot of Americans Have No Access to Health Care |
| » | Greece Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Health Care Access Declines in EU, Doctors Group Warns |
| » | HCCI Report Says Rising Prices for Care Responsible for Increased Healthcare Costs for Privately Insured Americans |
| » | Treatment in ED is Based on Children's Insurance Status |
| » | US Spends Most on Healthcare Without Providing Superior Care |
| More Insurance News | |
|
