DAY 18 Scleroderma Awareness Month: SKIN, HANDS, MOUTH, DENTAL

DAY 18  Scleroderma Awareness Month: SKIN, HANDS, MOUTH, DENTAL

I focussed on the Skin and its management for Day 10 Scleroderma Awareness Month also. To read the post, click here

Today’s image, I have focussed on the physical effects which skin tightening and stiffness can cause. With diffuse scleroderma, most of the entire skin on the body can be affected. However, it is important to note that no two scleroderma patients present with the exact same set of symptoms.

I discussed the ACR – Eular guidelines for the diagnosis and classification of Scleroderma in Day  6  Scleroderma Awareness Month, to view the post click here

The severity of hand involvement can differ from patient to patient. Some patients experience finger curling, as can be seen by the photos in the image, with thanks to the UK patients, Vannessa, Corah and Lynne, for sharing their photos.

Personally, my left index finger is starting to curl, with my other fingers being extremely stiff and I am unable to make a fist with either hand. Digital ulcers, calcinosis and pitting to the fingers makes for extremely painful, sensitive, not fit for purpose hands!

Every task, including the most basic eg. getting dressed, holding a pen / toothbrush / hairbrush / keys / taps / knife and fork…… everything, is extremely challenging for sore, delicate sclerodactyl hands.

So far, surgical attempts to straighten the fingers of scleroderma patients have given disappointing results, when combined with the distress and discomfort to the patient. However, this remains a pioneering area of study for the surgeons across the globe.

Some scleroderma patients may experience tightening of the skin to their face, as well as, thinning of the lips, with deep lines around the mouth. The soft tissue and skin of the mouth can also be affected.

Mouth opening can be very difficult, making a dentist appointment timely and requiring a patient, understanding, scleroderma informed dentist. Thanks to Sarah, facebook MeandSclero, for sharing her image to highlight the difficulty in mouth opening.

The change in facial shape and appearance can cause multiple complications. Including tooth loss due to the recession of the gums and tooth root reabsorption. A dry mouth symptom can lead to mouth infections and tooth abscess.

On a personal level, I attend dental hygienist appointments every three months, combined with appointments with my dentist every six months, and twice daily brushing and flossing, in between. I feel very blessed for the dental care team which I have, and I am extremely grateful for their patience and expertise with helping me manage my dental issues brought about by scleroderma.

It is also of huge comfort for me to know that should I have any dental problems, I will be viewed as an emergency case due to my diagnosis. So far, I have had 3 tooth extractions due to scleroderma. One of which, can be seen in the image at the top of the post. My dentist joked with me at my last check up appointment, that my dental issues have improved, as it is just easier to have my teeth removed!… believe me, it really was a last resort on all 3 occasions, to have an extraction, having experienced pain unlike it.

I am now extremely careful with the foods which I eat, choosing softer, easier to chew foods, as the best option. Scleroderma is not having my two front teeth, or any more teeth!!