Scleroderma

Description

Scleroderma is a rare, autoimmune disorder which most commonly affects women in the age range of 40 - 60.

As its name implies, there is a characteristic hardening of the skin, so that the face takes on a hardened, mask-like appearance.

The disease can progress slowly, or fatal complications including kidney failure, can occur.

Causes

Scleroderma remains something of a mystery. It can be mistaken for an arthritic condition, with joint pains, stiffness and muscle weakness, during the early stages.

It often begins with simply cold extremities (Raynaud’s phenomenon).

The autoimmune system progressively attacks the skin, blood vessels and internal organs.

Signs & Symptoms

The most common early sign is Raynaud’s phenomenon. The skin of the face and fingers then becomes shiny, tight and thickened. The sufferer may have difficulty speaking and there may be puckering around the lips. Dexterity is lost. Feeding and swallowing become difficult.

Nutritional Supplements

Structure & Function:
        Multi Vitamin/Multi Mineral Formulas
        Immune System Support &
        Hair, Skin and Nail Support

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General Supplements
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CoQ10	150 mg
EPO	1 gm tid
PABA	20 gms
Vitamin E	1,000 IU

*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.

Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.

Dietary Considerations

Generally, a high quality diet is necessary, which could mean that protein supplements may be essential to ensure completeness for all amino acids.

Carrot juice is recommended, a couple of days each week.

Herbal Approaches

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Herbs
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Butcher’s Broom
Calendula tea or gel
Cayenne (Capsicum)
Ginkgo Biloba
Gotu Kola
Pau d'Arco

Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.

Contraindications:

Although evidence is slight, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Progressive conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis and lupus as well as auto-immune disorders, including AIDS, are considered by some authorities to warrant a warning against the use of echinacea.

Homeopathic Remedy

Clematis erecta
Thuja occidentalis tinct.
Viscum album tinct.

Treatment Schedule

Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).

This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.

Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.

Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.

Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.

Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.

If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.

References

Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.

Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.

Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

Mandarin Essence

Calendula Essence (Marigold).

Related Health Conditions

AIDS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) [Lou Gehrig's Disease]
Auto Immune Disorders
Lupus Erythematosus
Multiple Sclerosis
Thyroid Disorders
Tonsillitis

Abstracts

References

Abdenur JE et al., Response to nutritional and growth hormone treatment in progeria. Metabolism, 1997 Aug, 46:8, 851-6.

Ishikawa O et al., Multiple bursitis in systemic sclerosis. J Rheumatol, 1997 Jun, 24:6, 1189-90.

Pironi-L: Home parenteral nutrition for the management of chronic intestinal failure: a 34 patient-year experience. Ital-J-Gastroenterol. 1993 Oct; 25(8): 411-8.

Roszinski-S et al: [Oxygenation of the dermis and subcutis in dermatoliposclerosis]. Vasa. 1993; 22(4): 297-305.

Rutkowska-Sak-L et al: [Changes in the gastrointestinal system of children with inflammatory systemic connective tissue diseases]. Pediatr-Pol. 1995 Mar; 70(3): 235-41.

Sjogren-RW: Gastrointestinal motility disorders in scleroderma. Arthritis-Rheum. 1994 Sep; 37(9): 1265-82.

Steen VD & Medsger TA Jr: The palpable tendon friction rub: an important physical examination finding in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheum, 1997 Jun, 40:6, 1146-51.

Tjellesen L et al., Body composition changes measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition. Scand J Gastroenterol, 1997 Jul, 32:7, 686-90.

Turberg-Y & Dederding-JP: [Evaluation of small intestinal motility]. Schweiz-Med-Wochenschr-Suppl. 1993; 54: 26-31.

Wilkinson-MM: Small intestinal complications in progressive systemic sclerosis. Gastroenterology-Nursing. 1992 Aug; 15(1): 50-3. (9 ref)

Ziegler-GC: Systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis Nursing-Clinics-of-North-America. 1984 Dec; 19(4): 673-95. (25 ref)