Scleroderma -Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks their own body causing inflammation and fibrosis which affects organs, It is one of serious rheumatological diseases. Scleroderma literally means hard skin and may cause serious complications like heart and lung damage, it can strike people in the prime of their lives. Commonly at the age of 30-50 years mostly in their adulthood. More than that pain and aching caused by ageing.Some of these diseases can affect major organs like the heart, lungs and skin. It also included various nerves, brain,blood vessels causing life threatening diseases. Therefore early diagnosis is required, which can initiate vasoactive therapy. The systemic scleroderma patients who are also suffering from different diseases like interstitial lung disease, Arthritis and also taking Anti-inflammatory treatment etc. development of progression of fibrosis cannot yet be influenced sufficiently.

Introduction

Systemic Sclerosis also known as Scleroderma or hard skin. It is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation and fibrosis in the skin and other organs. An abnormal immune system causes uncontrolled production of fibrous tissue leading to scarring of organs and blockage of blood vessels. Heart and Lungs are major causes of fatality in scleroderma. It mainly affects the various organs, muscles and joints. It mainly affects the people of 30 to 50 years of age. But mainly women are more to scleroderma.

Causes

The exact cause of scleroderma is not known. But it likely caused by a combination of factors including:

1.  Immune System changes: Inflammatory changes and abnormal immune systems can trigger cell changes that cause the production of too much collagen in your body. Cancer cells also trigger scleroderma.
2. Genetics: In some people’s genes can cause chances of scleroderma.
3. Environmental: Some harmful use of chemicals can cause the risk of scleroderma.Or extreme cold weather also causes scleroderma.
4. Hormonal changes: Women are more prone than men. Because it is suspected that immunological and hormonal differences between women and a man might play an important role in this disease.
5. Infections: Certain infections have been linked with development and worsening of scleroderma.

Types

There are mainly two types of scleroderma. Localised scleroderma and Systemic scleroderma.

1. Localised Scleroderma: It mainly limited to skin and underlying tissues.Localised scleroderma mainly affects children and also seen in adults.
2. Systemic Scleroderma: Sometimes also known as systemic sclerosis. It mainly affects skin, tissues, blood vessels and major internal organs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Scleroderma may include

1.  Skin hardening or tightening: Harden skin may cause decreased joint mobility
2.  Puffy swollen fingers of hands and feet
3. Raynaud’s phenomenon
4. Joint pain and swelling
5. Muscle weakness
6. Fatigue with involvement of blood pressure
7. Difficulty in swallowing
8. Bleeding gums
9. Weight loss

Investigations

1. Physical examination
2. Blood test: ANA, anti-SCL-70
3. Biopsy: To remove the affected part of your skin for diagnosis
4. Pulmonary function test: if your respiratory system is affected.
5. Endoscopy: If you are experiencing symptoms of GI
6. Imaging tests: X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT-scan

Treatment

The treatment used in modern science are

1. Medications are Immunosuppressant and vasodilator.
2. Physical therapy
3. Phototherapy
4. Organ specific treatment: Eg. Pulmonary HTN
5. Stem cell therapy: If the symptoms are severe, you might need stem cell therapy.

According To Ayurvedic Overview

Ayurveda is an old age established medical system of India, Its main aim is promoting health and management of the disease. Scleroderma being identified as an autoimmune pathology which involves multiple systems of the body and primarily affects skin and joints. Incorporating dosha and dushya principles of manifestation of disease. Such conditions are managed based on the line of treatment of vata dominant Uttan Vatarakta. Where vata dosha is vitiated primarily at the level of rasa- Rakta and Mamsa Dhatu plays a pivotal role in manifestation of disease. Shaman and Shodhan being two fold line treatment of disease and in corporation in management of disease. For maintaining the optimal level of dosha, clearing the body channels and strengthening the Dhatu, as the treatment principle being adopted for the treatment of Uttan vatarakta. Hence utilising the same protocol, a severity of symptoms and improvement of well being.

Symptoms of Uttan Vatarakta are

1. Dah (Burning sensation of skin)
2. Twacha me Kandhu (Itching on skin)
3. Twak-Ruja (Superficial pain)
4. Toda (pricking type of pain)
5. Kandu (Itching)
6. Bheda (Splitting type of pain)

Dietary intake

1. Advise to take mung dal, mung bean soup, boiled vegetables, bottle gourd, ash gourd, bitter gourd, drumsticks, fenugreek seed leaves also take shali rice, brown rice in foods and lukewarm water for drinking. Also you can take cow ghee.
2. Avoid oily food, spicy food, fermented and processed foods, citrus fruits, dairy products, refined wheat products, salty items like pickles, curds and lemon etc. should be avoided.

Home Remedies

1. Applying warm oils like coconut oil or season oil to the skin can help flexibility and reduce dryness.
2. Consuming a mixture of aloe vera juice and turmeric can support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Treatment

1. Lepa: External application of medicinal pastes
2. Parisheka: Steam pouring or showering of medical liquid decoctions of medicated oils and milks
3. Abhyanga: herbal oil massage
4. Upanaha: Poultice
5. Avagahana: Dipping the affected part of joints in the medicated liquids.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is GMP, USDA organic certified company. All their products made naturally of the best quality of herbs are used in these medications. These medications are prepared by expert doctors and follow the basic principles of ayurveda. There are many medications that are formed by Planet Ayurveda but in this disease they specially formed the Scleroderma Care Pack.

Products Description

1. Boswellia curcumin

Boswellia  curcumin is in the form of capsules and made up of two potent anti-inflammatory herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa) where the herbs curcumin has antioxidant properties and shallaki has the ability to fight with inflammation. The capsules are used for treatment of scleroderma. Because it provides support to the immune system, blood supply to joint tissues and make proper functioning of joints.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with warm water.

2. Ashwagandha capsules

These are in forms of capsules which are prepared with the extract from the bark of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is a commonly used drug in ayurveda which has multiple properties like anti-inflammatory and these capsules help in boosting the immune system, eliminating and flushing toxins from the body

Dosage: 1 capsule two times a day with warm water.

3. Gotukola Capsules

Gotukola are in the form of capsules which are prepared from pure standardised extract of Gotukola (Centella asiatica) herb. These capsules provide overall health to the body. It is commonly used in scleroderma patients. It helps in proper blood supply, enhances skin properties and also balances the three psychic energies like Tamas, Satva and Rajas.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with warm water.

4. Gandhak Rasayana

Gandhak Rasayan is in form of tablet which are made up of pure gandhak (Purified sulphur) which has anti inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, treat fungal infections and mostly used for balancing the tridosha which are Vatta, pitta, kapha. In Scleroderma patients it is beneficial because it improves the skin tightness and enhances functioning of the immune system.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day with warm water.

5. Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani Vati are  in form of tablet which are formed of wonderful herbs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and many other herbs. Its main function is managing autoimmune diseases and proper functioning of the liver to remove toxins from our body. It is also used in inflammatory joint disorders

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water.

7. Sinhnaad Guggul

Sinhnaad guggul are prepared with classical herbs like Triphala (Three myrobalans), Shuddha gandhak (purified sulphur), Shuddha Guggul (Purified Commiphora mukul) and Erand taila mainly helps in pacifies the vata dosha. It is mainly used in swelling, pain and inflammation of joints. This formulation is also very  useful in skin disorders and autoimmune diseases.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times with warm water.

Conclusion

In this article we concluded a topic on scleroderma. In this we study about that it is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation and fibrosis in the skin and organs.On further we studied about its types, symptoms, diagnosis and ayurvedic overview and an ayurvedic treatment which help to control the symptoms of scleroderma. Here in Planet Ayurveda we provide the best quality herbal preparation for the treatment of scleroderma  like the Sclero care pack from planet ayurveda . Which is formed by best quality herbs and free from chemicals and preservatives.