Best Scleroderma Doctors in Lucknow

Types/Stages of Scleroderma

Scleroderma can be categorised into two main types:

• Localised Scleroderma (Morphea): This type affects only one part of the body - usually the skin.

• Systemic Scleroderma: This variant can impact the skin, the blood vessels and even internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of Scleroderma

The symptoms of scleroderma can vary greatly depending on its type and severity:

• Skin thickening and tightening, particularly on the fingers, hands, face and lower arms

• Raynaud's phenomenon where fingers/toes become white, blue or red in cold conditions or due to stress

• Digestive issues like bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or heartburn

• Lung problems that cause shortness of breath and scarring

• Heart-related issues such as irregular heartbeats and heart failure

• Sexual health issues including erectile dysfunction in males and decreased lubrication and vaginal constriction in females

Tests to Diagnose Scleroderma

At Apollo Hospitals, surgeons for sclerodactyly recommend a variety of tests to diagnose scleroderma:

• Blood Tests: To identify antibodies associated with the disease.

• Skin Biopsy: A small sample of the affected skin is examined under a microscope.

• Echocardiogram: Used to detect problems in the heart's structure and function.

• Digestive System Tests: These are used to check if scleroderma is affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

• Imaging Tests: X-ray, CT scan or MRI to detect changes to internal organs.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Scleroderma at Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow

The best doctors for gastrointestinal involvement and other organs associated with scleroderma are available at Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow. Expert surgeons for sclerodactyly offer a range of treatments to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These include:

• Medications: Drugs to dilate blood vessels, suppress the immune system or reduce digestive symptoms are commonly used.

• Physical/Occupational Therapy: To maintain mobility and function.

• Anti-fibrotic medications: These are newer medications being investigated to help prevent or slow down the fibrosis (scarring) process in scleroderma

• Surgical Procedures: Surgery might be performed in severe cases to remove scar tissue or address specific complications like carpal tunnel syndrome caused by skin tightening in the wrist. However, surgery is typically not a first-line treatment for scleroderma.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Adapting one's diet, exercise regimen and stress-coping strategies can enhance the effectiveness of medical interventions.