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Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a condition where fibrous tissue causes damage by abnormally forming in skin and other tissues of the body. It has two forms: systemic scleroderma which involves both the skin and certain internal organs with the deposition of fibrous tissue, and localized scleroderma or Morphea where the changes are limited to certain areas of skin. One form does not turn into the other.
Systemic scleroderma is a potentially serious condition that needs regular follow up by a physician familiar with the complications of the condition. If you return to CAIPM yearly, we will check your pulmonary and esophageal function each time because this is one of the ways of following the stability of the disease. It would be wise to be immunized each Fall against Influenza and once a decade against pneumonia in order to reduce the strain these illnesses could put on you. If you are familiar with the artist, Paul Klee, you may be interested in knowing that he too had scleroderma. More information is available on the Internet at: www.scleroderma.org
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