Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease involving skin, blood vessels and the immune system. In its systemic form, internal organ involvement can happen. Scleroderma is a fairly rare disorder in children. This rare disease affects approximately 5,000 to 7,000 children. There are two main types. Localized scleroderma affects only your skin. Systemic scleroderma affects your blood vessels and internal organs, as well as your skin. Children who suffer from JSD may experience a variety of emotions. They may be confused by their illness, and angry they are sick, especially if their illness puts limits on their activities.

When the future is vague they may become frustrated, worried, and/or depressed. The often visible changes in appearance may be mainly hard for children to handle, since they may lead to teasing by other children and are a every day reminder of the illness. Symptoms of scleroderma include red spots on your hands and face, swelling of the esophagus, the tube between your throat and stomach, calcium deposits in connective tissues and Raynaud’s phenomenon, narrowing of blood vessels in the hands or feet. There are a number of treatments Juvenile Scleroderma available.

Treatment of scleroderma is directed toward the individual attribute affecting dissimilar areas of the body. The most common medications used to treat symptoms of JSD are chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. Colchicine can be helpful in decreasing the inflammation and tenderness that periodically accompanies the calcinosis nodules in the skin. Skin itching can be alleviating with lotions (emollients) such as Eucerin and Lubriderm. Telangiectasias, such as those on the face, can be treated with local laser therapy. Sun exposure should be minimized as it can worsen telangiectasias.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for skin care tips. She also writes articles for haircut styles.