Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease

The immune response to the body’s cells triggers the growth of connective tissue, which affects not only the skin, but also internal organs and blood vessels. Because of the spread of the disease, it is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are varied.

The first signs of the disease appear on the skin: first a few spots of lilac-pink color, then plaques of white or yellow color. The skin in this place becomes excessively elastic and as if stretched, changes its color.

The symptoms of scleroderma when it affects internal organs are different and depend on the location of the lesion. If it’s lungs – breathing problems, skeleton – changes in finger shape, etc. The most dangerous form of scleroderma is systemic because it affects all systems and organs. There is also a localized type of the disease that only spreads to the skin.

Diagnosis of scleroderma

It takes a lot of experience in diagnosis to recognize scleroderma. Therefore, complex and rare cases are often diagnosed in Israel. Thanks to the high level of medical development and the training of specialists, the chances of a correct diagnosis are increasing.

If you want to undergo a quality diagnosis or get a second opinion – we invite you to the Israeli clinic “MDI”. Our doctors have extensive experience even with rare diseases, including scleroderma.

Research needed:

1. Blood test
2. X-rays of the feet and hands
3. MRI and/or CT
4. Examination of skin samples under a microscope

Can scleroderma be cured?

Alas, no. It is an autoimmune disease, so the main goal of therapy is to relieve symptoms and remove the effects of the disease. These may include surgery for the musculoskeletal system, blood irradiation, physical therapy, and taking medications. A set of therapy methods is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the form of scleroderma, course, complications, etc.