SCLERODERM Meaning and
Definition
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Scleroderm is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by the abnormal growth and hardening of connective tissues throughout the body. It falls under the broader category of rheumatic diseases and is a type of systemic sclerosis. The condition primarily affects the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs.
In scleroderm, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to an overproduction of collagen, a naturally occurring protein responsible for maintaining the structure and elasticity of connective tissues. The excessive collagen buildup results in fibrosis, or scarring, which can cause the affected tissues to become thickened, hardened, and tight. This process progressively limits the flexibility and function of the affected areas.
Symptoms of scleroderm vary widely among individuals and depend on the extent and severity of organ involvement. Common signs include thickening and hardening of the skin, often accompanied by discoloration, tightness, and reduced range of motion. Other features may include Raynaud's phenomenon (spasms in the blood vessels of the fingers and toes in response to cold or stress), joint pain, digestive problems, lung complications, and kidney dysfunction.
While the cause of scleroderm remains unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers may contribute to its development. Treatment aims to manage the symptoms and slow disease progression, typically involving a multidisciplinary approach with medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Overall, scleroderm is a complex and chronic condition that requires long-term management and individualized care.
Common Misspellings for SCLERODERM
- scleroderma
- skleroderma
- acleroderm
- zcleroderm
- xcleroderm
- dcleroderm
- ecleroderm
- wcleroderm
- sxleroderm
- svleroderm
- sfleroderm
- sdleroderm
- sckeroderm
- scperoderm
- scoeroderm
- sclwroderm
- sclsroderm
- scldroderm
- sclrroderm
- scl4roderm
Etymology of SCLERODERM
The word "scleroderm" is derived from two Greek roots: "sclero" and "derm".
1. "Sclero": This root comes from the Greek word "skleros", meaning hard or tough.
2. "Derm": This root comes from the Greek word "derma", meaning skin.
When combined, the two roots form "scleroderm", which refers to a group of diseases characterized by the hardening and thickening of the skin and sometimes internal organs. The term "scleroderm" is often used as a shortened version of "scleroderma", which is a specific autoimmune disease within this group.
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