Exceptional Scleroderma Care Tailored to Your Needs
No one plans for scleroderma, but when it appears, having the right team by your side can make all the difference.
At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates (ARBDA), our commitment to providing compassionate care for patients with scleroderma is at the heart of our practice. Our board-certified rheumatology specialists have been providing personalized treatment plans that cater to the unique needs of our patients in the South Jersey and Philadelphia communities over the last 50 years.
Living with a serious, chronic disease, such as scleroderma, is challenging both physically and emotionally. This autoimmune disorder requires the most advanced clinical expertise to make an accurate diagnosis, monitor treatment, and work with patients for the long haul. With the top scleroderma doctors by your side, you can rest assured you will receive the highest standard of care in a warm and supportive environment.
Understanding Scleroderma
Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin to thicken and harden. For unknown reasons, this disorder triggers cells to produce collagen as though an injury needs healing. The excess collagen causes the connective tissue, the most abundant tissue in the body, to harden. Think of connective tissue as a framework that provides structure and support throughout the body.
Oftentimes, scleroderma can affect internal organ systems as well, causing complications like lung damage and kidney problems. The disease varies greatly from one person to another but typically progresses slowly and can lead to severe complications if not monitored closely.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of scleroderma remain unknown, but it is believed to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response. Ongoing scleroderma research shows that certain antibodies and genetic markers can increase susceptibility, especially in individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders.
Risk factors include:
- Gender: Women are 4 times more likely to develop scleroderma.
- Age: Scleroderma commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Occupational Hazards: Exposure to certain chemicals, like silica and organic compounds, can increase the risk of developing scleroderma.
Recognizing these risk factors early on is crucial for timely intervention and effective management of the disease.
Symptoms of Scleroderma
Scleroderma symptoms vary from person to person, so it’s important to determine which organs are affected and the severity of damage. This, in turn, will help your physician determine the appropriate scleroderma treatment.
People with scleroderma often experience symptoms in the following parts of the body:
- Skin: Thickened patches of skin can restrict movement and cause discomfort. The patches of skin affected appear to be shaped like ovals or straight lines. Skin biopsy and other diagnostic tools are employed to monitor and manage this symptom effectively.
- Fingers or Toes: A condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon causes small blood vessels to narrow, often in response to cold or stress, in the fingers and toes. As a result, the affected area may turn blue or feel numb or painful.
- Digestive System: Scleroderma can affect the digestive system, leading to issues like acid reflux and difficulty swallowing. Cramps, diarrhea, bloating, or constipation may occur if the intestines are affected.
- Lungs: Damage to blood vessels can lead to high blood pressure or pulmonary hypertension in the lungs, while scarring can cause interstitial lung disease or other lung problems.
- Kidneys: In severe cases, scleroderma can affect the kidneys, leading to complications like scleroderma renal crisis.
Finding a Scleroderma Specialist in New Jersey
Finding the right scleroderma specialist is a critical step in learning how to manage this complex disease effectively. ARBDA has some of the top scleroderma doctors who specialize in both early diagnosis and the latest scleroderma treatment protocols.
Our team understands the nuances of managing autoimmune disorders. We aim to address both physical and emotional needs as part of your scleroderma treatment.
Moreover, our center is renowned for its holistic approach to patient care. New patients are thoroughly evaluated using comprehensive assessments that include a detailed physical exam, lab tests, and consultations with various specialists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the disease are addressed, from skin concerns to internal organ systems.
How Is Scleroderma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing scleroderma can be quite a challenge, as the disease can affect many different parts of the body, like the joints. The doctors at ARBDA work closely with you to determine which organs are affected in order to plan an appropriate course of scleroderma treatment. Our doctors will perform a thorough physical exam and order tests to confirm the diagnosis and the severity of the disease.
Misdiagnosis and Conditions with Similar Symptoms
The symptoms exhibited by scleroderma often overlap with those of other diseases, making it challenging for some individuals to get an accurate diagnosis. Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis share common signs, such as joint pain, Raynaud’s phenomenon and skin changes. This underscores the importance of consulting experienced scleroderma specialists who can differentiate scleroderma from other diseases.
Our board-certified rheumatologists use advanced diagnostic tools, including skin biopsy and blood tests, to look for certain antibodies that are indicative of scleroderma and ensure an accurate diagnosis.
What Does Scleroderma Treatment Involve?
Once a scleroderma diagnosis is confirmed, your ARBDA physician will create a treatment plan to effectively limit the damage caused by this autoimmune disease.
While there is no cure for scleroderma, a comprehensive treatment plan can help control symptoms. The wide range of symptoms someone with scleroderma may experience can be daunting, so treatment and management may require a combination of approaches, including treatment of the skin or lung disease and various digestive remedies.
Living with an autoimmune disease can feel like you’re on an endless roller coaster of emotions and symptoms, so the support of family, friends, and doctors is critical. Get the help you need to manage your scleroderma by scheduling an appointment for scleroderma treatment with ARBDA today.
Managing Scleroderma
Managing scleroderma involves more than just medical treatments. Our specialists may suggest occupational therapy to enhance mobility or physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, depending on your diagnosis.
Lifestyle adjustments can also help relieve pain and improve function. Recommendations often include avoiding hot baths to reduce flare-ups of Raynaud’s disease and dietary adjustments to manage digestive symptoms.
For more severe cases, surgical options may be considered to address interstitial lung disease or pulmonary hypertension.
ARBDA: Leading the Way in Scleroderma Diagnosis and Treatment
ARBDA is proud to stand at the forefront of scleroderma diagnosis and treatment. Our top scleroderma doctors are passionate about delivering compassionate care to every patient while utilizing the latest advancements in scleroderma research and clinical trials.
For over 50 years, we’ve served the South Jersey and Philadelphia communities with a commitment to excellence. If you’re looking for a scleroderma specialist near you or a rheumatologist that treats any of the following, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.