HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SCLERODERMA

Scleroderma  is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues — the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body.

In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin. But in many people, scleroderma also harms structures beyond the skin — such as blood vessels, internal organs and the digestive tract. Signs and symptoms vary, depending on which structures are affected.

Scleroderma affects women more often than men and most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. While there is no cure for scleroderma, a variety of treatments can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

Causes-Scleroderma results from an overproduction and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. Collagen is a fibrous type of protein that makes up your body's connective tissues, including your skin.

Doctors aren't certain what prompts this abnormal collagen production, but the body's immune system appears to play a role. In some genetically susceptible people, symptoms may be triggered by exposure to certain types of pesticides, epoxy resins or solvents.

Symptoms--Scleroderma's signs and symptoms vary, depending on which parts of your body are involved:

Skin. Nearly everyone who has scleroderma experiences a hardening and tightening of patches of skin. These patches may be shaped like ovals or straight lines, or cover wide areas of the trunk and limbs. The number, location and size of the patches vary by type of scleroderma. Skin can appear shiny because it's so tight, and movement of the affected area may be restricted.

Fingers or toes. One of the earliest signs of scleroderma is an exaggerated response to cold temperatures or emotional distress, which can cause numbness, pain or color changes in the fingers or toes. Called Raynaud's disease, this condition also occurs in people who don't have scleroderma.

Digestive system. In addition to acid reflux, which can damage the section of esophagus nearest the stomach, some people with scleroderma may also have problems absorbing nutrients if their intestinal muscles aren't moving food properly through the intestines.

Heart, lungs or kidneys. Scleroderma can affect the function of the heart, lungs or kidneys to varying degrees. These problems, if left untreated, can become life-threatening.

Risk factor--Scleroderma occurs much more often in women than it does in men. Choctaw Native Americans and African-Americans are more likely than Americans of European descent to develop the type of scleroderma that affects internal organs.

Complications--Scleroderma complications range from mild to severe and can affect your:

Fingertips. The variety of Raynaud's disease that occurs with scleroderma can be so severe that the restricted blood flow permanently damages the tissue at the fingertips, causing pits or skin sores (ulcers). In some cases, gangrene and amputation may follow.

Lungs. Scarring of lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis) can result in reduced lung function, reduced ability to breathe and reduced tolerance for exercise. You may also develop high blood pressure in the arteries to your lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

Kidneys. When scleroderma affects your kidneys, you can develop elevated blood pressure and an increased level of protein in your urine. More-serious effects of kidney complications may include renal crisis, which involves a sudden increase in blood pressure and rapid kidney failure.

Heart. Scarring of heart tissue increases your risk of abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) and congestive heart failure, and can cause inflammation of the membranous sac surrounding your heart (pericarditis). Scleroderma can also raise the pressure on the right side of your heart and cause it to wear out.

Teeth. Severe tightening of facial skin can cause your mouth to become smaller and narrower, which may make it hard to brush your teeth or to even have them professionally cleaned. People who have scleroderma often don't produce normal amounts of saliva, so the risk of dental decay increases even more.

Digestive system. Digestive problems associated with scleroderma can lead to acid reflux and difficulty swallowing — some describe feeling as if food gets stuck midway down the esophagus — as well as bouts of constipation alternating with episodes of diarrhea.

Sexual function. Men who have scleroderma often experience erectile dysfunction. Scleroderma may also affect the sexual function of women, by decreasing sexual lubrication and constricting the vaginal opening.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Constitutional line of treatment is ideal for scleroderma , even though some indicated remedies are given below.-

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM 200-Antimonium crudum is one of the best remedies for scleroderma. It is prescribed when the skin becomes thick, hard and honey coloured. Another indications are-itching of skin when warm in bed, worse during night.

HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA 30—Hydrocotyle is an effective medicines for scleroderma. It is prescribed when the skin becomes thickened that of an elephant. .Great thickening of the epidermal layer and exfoliation of scales.  Intolerable itching of skin , especially of soles.

RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS 30-Ranunculus bulbosus is indicated for scleroderma with thickening of the skin having horny scales.There is burning and intense itching , worse from contact. Finger tips and palms chapped.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 30-and BRYONIA 30 –Rhus tox and Bryonia is indicated  for arthritis in scleroderma patients. In Bryonia the pain is better from rest , opposite of Rhus tox. Severe constipation is found in Bryonia

ALUMINA 30-Alumina is effective for scleroderma where intolerable itching occurs when warm in bed. Skin chapped , dry and tottery, scratch until it bleeds. Constriction of esophagus is experienced by the patients. Severe constipation is found along with  this disease .

CRATAEGUS OXY. Q-Crataegus is a heart tonic and it is effective if heart is involved in scleroderma patients. Crataegus supports healthy circulation.

AGARICUS NUS 30-Agaricus is indicated when burning, itching , swelling and redness are found in the skin. It is indicated when blood flow to the fingers and toes is compromised on being exposed to the cold atmosphere.This leads to numbness, coldness, blueness in the fingers and toes.The condition may be followed by pin or needle like pricking sensations in the fingers and toes.

SECALE COR. 30-Secale cor is indicated when icy cold and numb fingers and toes occurs. Formication, tingling in the fingers and toes are other symptoms

THIOSINAMINUM 30—Thiosinaminum is effective for thickened skin. Thiosinaminum dissolves the thickened skin.