• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
COVID-19 Update (512) 494-4000 Patient Portal Online Bill Pay Book An Appointment
  • Our Team
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Ankylosing Spondylitis
    • Auto-Inflammatory Syndromes
    • Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
    • Hypermobility Syndrome
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Colitis)
    • Juvenile Dermatomyositis
    • Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis / Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
    • Kawasaki Disease
    • Lupus
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Raynaud’s Disease
    • Rheumatic Fever
    • Sarcoidosis
    • Scleroderma / Morphea
    • Vasculitis
    • Uveitis
  • Infusion Centers
  • For Patients
    • Book an Appointment
    • Online Bill Pay
    • Online Check-In
    • Insurance and Payment
    • Medication Injection Instructions
    • Patient Portal
    • Telehealth Visits
    • What to Expect
    • Forms
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

10 Facts to Know About Scleroderma

June 29, 2022

Scleroderma is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 250 out of every one million Americans. It is estimated that there are around 5,000 to 7,000 children currently diagnosed with it in the United States.

The word scleroderma literally translates to ‘hard skin’.

This condition is known for dense, thick scar tissue that develops on the skin, joints, and sometimes internal organs due to the body’s immune system attacking healthy cells and tissue. The body then adversely reacts by creating an excess amount of collagen which is secreted into the skin and organs causing the characteristic hardening.

Some common symptoms of scleroderma include:

  • Tightness of the skin
  • Decreased function in the hands, particularly around the fingers and wrist
  • Joint or muscle pain, inflammation and stiffness
  • Chronic fatigue

While there is currently no cure for scleroderma, there are many effective treatments that board-certified pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Ruy Carrasco and pediatric nurse practitioner Shelby Brooks, CPNP-PC use every day to help our young patients at Pediatric Rheumatology Consultants live more active, comfortable lives.

In honor of June being Scleroderma Awareness Month, here are 10 fast facts to know about the disease:

  1. There are two forms of pediatric scleroderma: localized and systemic.
  2. Localized scleroderma is more common in children, typically only affecting the skin.
  3. Despite its outward and often concerning appearance, scleroderma is not contagious and cannot be passed on to someone else.
  4. Approximately two-thirds of children with scleroderma are girls.
  5. There is no evidence that scleroderma is more prevalent in one race over another.
  6. The average age for developing pediatric scleroderma is between seven and eight years old.
  7. Localized scleroderma typically progresses quickly in its early stages but often stops spreading after three to four years.
  8. There’s no cure for scleroderma, but it’s possible to manage the symptoms so the disease doesn’t progress.
  9. Children with systemic sclerosis have a higher risk for internal organ damage and should be monitored very closely.
  10. Sometimes Raynaud’s Disease/Phenomenon also occurs in patients with scleroderma, causing the body to experience extreme sensitivity to cold and abnormal temperatures.

A definitive diagnosis for scleroderma is made by a pediatric rheumatologist in conjunction with a dermatologist via observations of the skin, blood tests, X-rays and additional scans to examine internal organs.

Our goals in managing scleroderma are to minimize inflammation, keep the skin and joints comfortable, and prevent any spreading of the disease to internal organs as much as possible.

In children, localized scleroderma can typically be treated with:

  • Creams and ointments
  • Steroid medications to reduce inflammation on the skin and in muscles and joints
  • Physical therapy to promote flexibility
  • Enhanced and dedicated skin protection from sun exposure, extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals

If scarring is found on the internal organs from systemic scleroderma, surgery may be needed to remove the damaged tissue.

Our outlook for children living with scleroderma is generally positive provided that they manage their symptoms diligently and are seen often by their pediatric rheumatologist.

We fully encourage our scleroderma patients to stay active and participate in as many sports and extracurriculars that they choose to enjoy.

Pediatric Rheumatology Consultants treats a wide range of autoimmune disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system in children and teenagers. Our team includes the expertise of Dr. Carrasco and Shelby Brooks, CPNP-PC along with the compassionate care of our experienced nurses and infusion nurses. To schedule an appointment with us, please click here.

Filed Under: Autoimmune Disorders Tagged With: Autoimmune disorder, Pediatric Rheumatologist, Pediatric Rheumatology, pediatric scleroderma, scleroderma

Primary Sidebar

June 2022
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930  
« May   Jul »

Categories

  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • General
  • Hypermobility
  • Juvenile Arthritis
  • Kawasaki
  • Lupus
  • Rare Disease

Tags

announcements Austin Monthly Austin Monthly Top Doctors Autoimmune disorder auto inflammatory disease back to school COVID COVID-19 and Autoimmune Disorders COVID-19 and Children double-jointed Dr. Ruy Carrasco Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Hypermobility Infusion Center Infusion Centers Infusion Nurses Infusion Tips juvenile arthritis juvenile idiopathic arthritis Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Juvenile Seronegative Polyarthritis Kawasaki Disease Lupus Lupus in Kids Marfan syndrome Nursing Parry Romberg Syndrome Pediatric Healthcare Pediatric Infusions Pediatric Infusion Therapy Pediatric Infusion Treatment Pediatric Nurse Pediatric Rheumatologist Pediatric Rheumatology Pediatric Rheumatology Consultants Pediatrics pediatric scleroderma Psoriatic Arthritis research scleroderma SuperDoctors Texas Monthly SuperDoctors Top Docs for Kids Top Doctors

Footer

  • Our Team
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Infusion Centers
  • For Patients
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
© Copyright 2020 Pediatric Rheumatology Consultants. All rights reserved.
iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com
At Pediatric Rheumatology Consultants, our rheumatologist is committed to accurately diagnosing and treating infants, children, and young adults suffering from autoimmune disorders