20 Facts about Pediatric Scleroderma

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According to the Cleveland Clinic, although scleroderma may be similar in adults and children, there are some specific characteristics that are more pronounced in children.

Pediatric scleroderma is divided into systemic and localized diseases, which is further differentiated into subtypes based on clinical findings of skin involvement.

1. There are two types of pediatric scleroderma: localized scleroderma and systemic scleroderma

2. Localized scleroderma is more common in children, usually only affecting the skin. In some cases, it might spread to the underlying muscles.

3. Children with systemic sclerosis may have more widespread skin changes which may result in limited joint movement.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.

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4. Raynaud’s phenomenon may be present early in a child with systemic sclerosis

5. Fatigue, difficulty swallowing, joint pain may also be present early in a child with systemic sclerosis

6. Children with systemic sclerosis should be checked often in order to detect and possibly treat potential internal organ involvement.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.
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7. Scleroderma, both in children and adults, is NOT contagious, so people cannot “catch it” or pass it on to someone else.

8. There are between 5,000 and 7,000 children diagnosed with scleroderma in the United States annually.

9. 1.5% of all scleroderma patients will develop it before the age of 10.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.
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10. 7% of all scleroderma patients will develop it between the ages of 10 and 19.

11. The mean age of onset for both forms of pediatric scleroderma is between 7.3 and 8.8 years of age

12. Approximately two-thirds of children with scleroderma are female.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.
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13. There is no clear evidence for any racial predilection for either form of pediatric scleroderma.

14. There is still no cure for scleroderma but with an early diagnosis, it can be managed and treated.

15. Treatment is specialized and focused on each child. It will vary depending on his or her overall health, type of scleroderma, medical history, the presence of other symptoms and its severity.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.
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16. Scleroderma management often includes family counseling regarding emotional, financial, cosmetic, disability, and social issues.

17. The outlook will depend on the type of scleroderma, whether or not there is internal organ involvement, and where and how much skin is affected.

18. In systemic sclerosis, children who have lung, kidney or heart problems usually have the greatest risk of complications.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.
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19. While localized scleroderma usually progresses in the early stages, it will often stop spreading and changing further after the first 3 to 4 years. In some cases, it might even be resolved by adulthood.

20. Scleroderma does not usually go away, but it is possible for it to remain at the same level and not getting any worse for several years.

Learn more about Wyatt Wright a.k.a (Wyatt The Warrior),  a 9-year-old young man diagnosed with localized scleroderma (linear) at the age of 8.

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.