Localized scleroderma is a chronic disease characterized by damage to connective tissue with the appearance of foci of sclerosis against the background of inflammatory changes in the skin.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of scleroderma, which is associated with changes in the immunoreactivity of the human body, which arise as a result of constant contact with various allergens and irrational use of medications.
On estet-portal.com, read about the main symptoms of this disease , the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of scleroderma, and modern approaches to its treatment.
- Features of the clinical picture of focal scleroderma
- Focal scleroderma: pathogenesis of the disease
- Basic treatment approaches focal scleroderma
Features of the clinical picture of focal scleroderma
Symptoms of focal scleroderma may vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. They include the appearance of lilac plaques with clearly defined edges, prone to peripheral growth.
Over time, the lesion becomes denser and lighter, acquiring a characteristic “ivory” color; only a purple rim remains along its periphery. The shape of the plaques can be rounded, oval or linear. Most often, the elements are located on the stomach, chest, back or limbs.
Focal scleroderma occurs three to four times more often in women than in men.
With linear and deep focal scleroderma, joint contractures and subcutaneous atrophy may occur, which ultimately leads to limb deformation and disability.
Features of the flow of the main forms of scleroderma
Focal scleroderma: pathogenesis of the disease
Pathophysiological changes in scleroderma are characterized by hyperproduction of collagen types 1 and 3. However, what exactly causes fibroblast activation in this pathology is unknown.
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There is an opinion that the cause of focal scleroderma is immunological damage to endothelial cells.
Confirmation of the autoimmune theory of the occurrence of this disease is the presence of autoantibodies in patients, as well as the frequent association of scleroderma with other autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo, autoimmune thyroiditis, etc.
Basic approaches to the treatment of focal scleroderma
The sooner therapy for scleroderma is started, the smaller the area of skin atrophy will be in the future. Systemic therapy includes the administration of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce the activity of the inflammatory process and suppress collagen synthesis.
To treat scleroderma in the stage of sclerosis and induration, hyaluronidase preparations, as well as high doses of penicillins, are used.
For focal scleroderma, creams with vitamin D are prescribed to the lesions, which inhibit the activity of fibroblasts, reduce inflammation and help soften the skin.
Scleroderma is almost always accompanied by dry skin, so it is very important to keep it moisturized. Also, patients are not recommended to take a hot bath, as this also leads to dehydration of the skin.
You may also be interested in: Causes and clinical manifestations of focal scleroderma
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