Scleroderma is commonly known as a skin disorder, which usually involves hardening as well as tightening of skin and connective tissues. Basically it is a rare autoimmune ailment of unknown etiology, which is often characterized by fibrosis of skin with the involvement of internal organs. Normally, the immune system provides defense against multiple diseases and infection, but in people suffering from Scleroderma, the immune system triggers other cells to produce too much collagen, which further gets deposited in the skin and organs reducing its own ability. In Ayurveda, this disease is considered under the heading 'Uttana Vatarakta'. Ayurvedic treatment allows the condition based on Dosha, Dhatu and Dushya. Scleroderma is a progressive disorder and there is a myth that it is non-curable, which is completely wrong. Clinical treatment with Ayurvedic medications can slow down its rapid progression as well as improve the life span of the patient and quality of life.
CAUSES OF SCLERODERMA
The exact cause of Scleroderma is not known. Most likely, it is triggered by a combination of factors, including improper functioning of immune system, genetical and environmental factors. It can be hereditary, but most of the cases do not show any family history. Moreover, Immune system problems involves two types of Immunological mechanism such as cell mediated immunity and Humoral immunity.
Cell Mediated Immunity
Skin: cellular infiltration in the perivascular region as well as dermis. (T cell, Langerhans cells, plasma cells and macrophages etc.)
Humoral Immunity
- Hypergammaglobulinemia
- Autoantibody production: Increase in the production of antinuclear antibody by 95 percent.
Environmental Factors
It involves continuous exposure of person to silica dust, organic solvents, biogenic amines, urea formaldehyde, polyvinyl chloride, silicone implant etc.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Hardening and thickening of skin
- Swelling in hands and feet
- Formation of Oval-shaped patches that may change colors and eventually develop a whitish center
- Loss of Sweat glands and Hair in the affected area of skin
- Discoloration of skin, which looks lighter or sometimes darker than the surrounding area
- Red spots on the surface of skin
- Rigidity of joints
- Shortness of breath
- Heartburn
- Pain as well as stiffness in joints
- Deposition of excessive calcium in the skin
- Mask-like facial skin
- Ulcerations on the toes and finger-tips
- Constipation
- Weight loss and Fatigue
DIAGNOSIS
It is not always easy to diagnose scleroderma as it can affect other parts of the body also such as joints. In many cases Scleroderma can be initially mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination after discussing about patient family medical history. The Physician, whether he or she will be looking for any of the above mentioned symptoms, mainly thickening or hardening of the skin around the fingers and toes or discoloration of the skin or both, if suspects disorder, prescribes the proper tests to confirm the diagnosis, and to determine the severity of the disease. These tests may include:-
- Blood test, which is usually performed to determine the increased level of immune factors such as antinuclear antibody. However, these tests are mainly for autoimmune disorders but in case of scleroderma patients, it is helpful in assisting with an accurate diagnosis.
- Pulmonary function tests: These tests are carried out to check how well the lungs are functioning. If disease is suspected, it is important to confirm whether it has spread to the lungs or not, where it can lead to scar tissue formation. Therefore, an X-ray or CT scan may be used to check the lung damage.
- Echocardiogram : Most of the physicians recommend this test once every 6 to 12 months to evaluate for complications such as pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure.
- Kidney function: These tests are also performed through blood tests. When this disease affects the kidneys, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure as well as the leakage of protein into the urine. In its most serious stage which is also known as scleroderma renal crisis, a rapid increase in blood pressure may occur, that may cause kidney failure.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SCLERODERMA BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda provides an effective combination of herbal remedies, which are prepared from high quality herbs that are grown naturally for the treatment of scleroderma. The name of the pack is Sclero Care Pack, prepared with the help of Ayurvedic methods under the surveillance of expert Ayurvedic doctors that strictly follow principles of Ayurveda. These products do not include any harmful chemicals such as preservatives, coloring agents and flavoring agents. Furthermore, these products are also free from any type of adverse reactions.
PRODUCTS LIST
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Bosewellia-Curcumin Capsules
- Gotukola Capsules
- Sanjivani Vati
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Sinhnaad Guggul
Sclero Care Pack
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
The pure extract of 'Ashwagandha' (Withania somnifera) herb is used in the preparation of Ashwagandha capsules. This herb has many anti-inflammatory properties; it also has numerous beneficial effects on overall health of a person. These capsules increase the physical as well as mental capabilities of body. Moreover, these capsules enhance the resistant of body's immune system against multifarious infections and they can also eliminate harmful toxins from the body. These are very useful in maintaining a healthy heart.
2. Bosewellia-Curcumin Capsules
These capsules are prepared from an effective combination of two potent herbal ingredients Shallaki (Boswellia serrate) and Curcumin (Curuma longa).
Curcumin, commonly known as Haldi in Hindi, is a very potent anti-inflammatory compound which is effective against numerous types of bacteria. Moreover, it also increases antioxidant property of human body. It reduces life threatening risks of heart disease. Whereas, Shallaki helps in suppressing pain as well as inflammation by targeting key factors which promote the release of pro- inflammatory chemicals in the joints.
These capsules tend to be very beneficial for scleroderma patients as they can increase the supply of blood to different joint tissues. Both the active ingredients, being anti-inflammatory, provide a beneficial support to the immune system.
3. Gotu Kola Capsules
Pure extract of 'Gotukola' herb after its standardization is used for the preparation of these capsules. Gotukola being as main ingredient of these capsules protects body against wide range of inflammation. These capsules are very useful in treating different kinds of wounds as well as skin disorders. They are also very helpful in maintaining proper blood circulation in the body. They enhance the memory of brain. Moreover, they also maintain healthy brain and balance then three psychic energies that is Satva, Rajas and Tamas.
4. Sanjivani Vati
Herbs such as Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) , Pippali (Piper longum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vacha (Acorus calamus) , Vidanga (Embella ribes), Shudh vatsnabh (Aconitum ferox) and Shudh bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) are combined for the production of sanjivani tablets, that, are useful in removing harmful toxins from the body. Moreover, these tablets are also very helpful in managing auto-immune disorders. They also improve heath of digestive system.
5. Gandhak Rasayan
These tablets are prepared from the herb known as Gandhak, which tend to have many properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial as well as anti-microbial. These tablets are effective in Scleroderma because they improve functioning of immune system and also improve skin health. These tablets also remove the dead skin. Besides this, they slump down the risk of harmful infections to human body. They are also very helpful against pimples and acne and balance body's Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
6. Sinhnaad Guggul
It is a classical Herbal formulation. It is prepared from the herbs like Triphala (Three myrobalans), shuddha gandhak (Purified sulphur), shuddha guggul (Purified Commiphora mukul) and Eranda taila (oil of Ricinus communis).
DOSAGE
- Ashwagandha Capsules - 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.
- Boswellia-Curcumin - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
- Gotukola Capsules - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
- Sanjivani Vati - 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
- Gandhak Rasayan - 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
- Sinhnaad Guggul - 2 tablets twice daily with warm water.
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