Image

Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease where the body generates too much collagen. This overproduction of collagen causes thickening and hardening of the skin and other organs. We’ve put together a list of fast facts about systemic sclerosis with help from the Scleroderma Foundation. MORE: Seven common misconceptions about scleroderma Scleroderma…

Because scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, symptoms and complications can appear in any part of the body, including the eyes. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common eye complications experienced by people living with scleroderma, with help from the Arthritis Foundation and …

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin. This can result in a loss of mobility, and in some extreme cases, can affect internal organs. Scleroderma.org functions as a sounding board for patients and carers to share their own experiences with the disease. 1. Amanda’s Story Amanda was 39…

If you’re a patient, a family member or a friend who wants to do more to help someone suffering from a chronic illness, spreading awareness is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Awareness can mean big changes, including more money for more resources and research into more effective treatments and diagnostic tests. Awareness…

One of our resident columnists, Nicola Whitehill, took the opportunity during Scleroderma Awareness Month to profile some of the people who live with the disease from around the world. MORE: Find out how you can raise scleroderma awareness here Writing on her own personal blog Raynauds Scleroderma Awareness, Nicola shares a rare…

Bob Saget is a television host, actor and comedian. He is also a very vocal advocate for scleroderma. Saget’s involvement with the scleroderma community began in 1989 when he met Sharon Monsky, the founder of the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Back then the foundation was in its infancy and Monsky asked…

In this Facebook video from Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, Alex talks viewers through her makeup routine and how she covers her telangiectasia which helps boost her confidence. MORE: Heart changes that can occur in scleroderma patients Alex talks about the importance of using sunscreen or moisturizers with built-in…

Trish Rainbow-Noack from New South Wales, Australia, first noticed something was wrong when chunks of skin began peeling off the back of her hands. After visiting her doctor, she was told she had lupus. Other symptoms swiftly followed, including chronic fatigue, the inability to walk far, not being…

Because scleroderma can affect any organ of the body, patients symptoms and complications vary greatly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Here are seven common complications: 1. Fingertips As a result of Raynaud’s disease (experiences by most with scleroderma) blood flow to the hands becomes so restricted that the tissues at the fingertips become…

In this short video from the Scleroderma Foundation’s Greater Chicago Chapter, we see footage of some of the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walks. MORE: Scleroderma may change your life but here’s how to regain control The walks offer those living…