Scleroderma

WHAT IS SCLERODERMA?

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis (Ssc), is an autoimmune disease and its cause is unknown. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are characterized by four anomalies: an imbalance of the immune system, inflammation, microvascular issues and fibrosis.  The imbalance triggers a hardening of the skin, altering any affected organs/members?.  It can also affect the internal organs - heart, lungs and kidneys - diminishing the quality of life of sufferers, as well as their life expectancy.

Scleroderma is difficult to diagnose and unfortunately, it can take several years to declare itself.  It can cause significant physical and psychological suffering, in that sufferers often experience changes to their appearance.  In most cases, scleroderma limits motricity and dexterity. Alas, there is no cure for scleroderma, although treatment options do relieve certain symptoms.

Symptoms often tend to appear in one’s early forties. People of all ages can nevertheless be affected by the disease, including children. Scleroderma strikes women more often than men. An estimated 15,000 Canadians suffer from scleroderma. It is not a contagious disease. 

Donations collected during this fundraising campaign enable Scleroderma Quebec to pursue its threefold mission: providing financial support for scleroderma research, assisting those it affects and sharing educational information.

For further details about scleroderma and Scleroderma Quebec, please visit sclerodermie.ca/en/.