What Are the Symptoms of Scleroderma?

In-Home Care Lake Forest IL - What Are the Symptoms of Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is one of the conditions that affect many women. It can affect men, too. However, women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most commonly affected by it. There isn’t a cure for scleroderma right now. However, there are numerous treatments that can help to improve one’s quality of life and reduce symptoms if they have scleroderma. Today, you can learn more about scleroderma symptoms.  

Skin Symptoms 

When it comes to scleroderma, there are often symptoms that affect a person’s skin. Just about everyone who has this condition will have tightening and hardening of their skin. The patches on their skin might be straight or oval-shaped and in lines. The patches can cover a lot of the skin. Usually, the patches are on the limbs and/or trunk. Depending on how severe your elderly loved one’s condition is, their skin symptoms may be less or more severe.  

Toes and Fingers 

Your elderly loved one might also have symptoms on their toes and/or fingers. In fact, this is one of the earliest symptoms that occurs with scleroderma. It usually happens as a result of emotional distress or cold temperatures. Your elderly loved one might experience pain, color changes, and/or numbness in their toes and/or fingers.  

Digestive System 

With scleroderma, many patients also experience digestive system symptoms. Your elderly loved one might have acid reflux. This can lead to esophagus damage. They may even need surgery to help. In addition, your elderly loved one’s body may have a difficult time absorbing any nutrients. This can cause issues with the intestinal muscles. This means that your elderly loved one’s body can’t digest food as well as it should.  

Kidney, Lung, and Heart Issues  

If your elderly loved one has scleroderma, it can also affect their kidneys, lungs, and/or heart. These organs might not function properly if affected by scleroderma. If the condition isn’t treated, the damage can be life-threatening.  

These are some of the most common symptoms of scleroderma. Now that you have this information, you will know how your elderly loved one is affected by this condition. You can help to improve their quality of life and reduce symptoms when possible. You may even want to hire in-home care providers to help make things easier for your elderly loved one. You should also make sure your elderly loved one is getting the treatments they need.  

Sources:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scleroderma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351952 

If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Lake Forest IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.​​

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