Is systemic sclerosis life-threatening?

As its name implies, this form affects many parts of the body. Not only can it affect the skin, but it also can affect many internal organs, hindering digestive and respiratory functions, and causing kidney failure. Systemic scleroderma can sometimes become serious and life-threatening.

Is systemic sclerosis a terminal illness?

Prognosis of Systemic Sclerosis Sometimes systemic sclerosis worsens rapidly and becomes fatal (mainly with diffuse systemic sclerosis). At other times, it affects only the skin for decades before affecting internal organs, although some damage to internal organs (such as the esophagus) is almost inevitable.

How do you deal with scleroderma?

You can take a number of steps to help manage your symptoms of scleroderma:

  1. Stay active. Exercise keeps your body flexible, improves circulation and relieves stiffness.
  2. Protect your skin.
  3. Don’t smoke.
  4. Manage heartburn.
  5. Protect yourself from the cold.

What does systemic sclerosis cause?

Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. It may also cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract.

What is the life expectancy of someone with systemic scleroderma?

People who have localized scleroderma may live an uninterrupted life with only minor symptom experiences and management. On the other hand, those diagnosed with an advanced and systemic version of the disease have a prognosis of anywhere from three to 15 years.

How long does someone with scleroderma live?

In general, patients with limited scleroderma have a normal life expectancy. Some have problems with their GI tract, especially heartburn; severe Raynaud’s and musculoskeletal pain; and a small subset can develop pulmonary hypertension that can be life-threatening.

What is the life expectancy of someone with systemic sclerosis?

Patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis have a 10-year survival estimate of approximately 90%. However, development of interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) dramatically increases the risk of death.

How long can you live with systemic scleroderma?

How does someone get scleroderma?

Scleroderma is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity.

Can you live a full life with systemic sclerosis?

Every patient with systemic sclerosis is different, which makes predicting additional complications and life span nearly impossible. Some patients with systemic sclerosis never develop severe involvement of their internal organs and live relatively normal lives.