Tomorrow is World Scleroderma Day!
This date is an opportunity for anybody with an interest in scleroderma to join together as one united voice to shine a spotlight on a rare disease that doesn’t often get talked about.
So what exactly is scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues — the fibers that provide the framework and support for your body. In some people, scleroderma affects only the skin while in others blood vessels, internal organs, and the digestive tract are affected.
There are two major classifications of scleroderma:
-
Localized scleroderma: affected areas found only in a few places on the skin or muscles
-
Systemic scleroderma: affected areas found in connective tissue in many parts of the body
To read more about scleroderma, including common symptoms, causes, and treatment options – click here!
So what are some things we can do to help raise awareness?
-
Show your true colors! Wear teal and show it off on your social media accounts using a #scleroderma hashtag!
-
Download and distribute this poster, courtesy of the Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA).
-
Check out the the Scleroderma Foundation’s website for ways to get involved, including joining support groups, local events, connecting with others, and much much more.
