Scleroderma specialists near me
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Scleroderma treatment
Recommended health tests for Scleroderma
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a group of autoimmune diseases that affect the connective tissue in the body. This condition, characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, can lead to significant discomfort and serious health complications. Estimates suggest that scleroderma affects approximately 300,000 Americans, making it a relatively uncommon condition that still poses significant challenges to those who experience it.
Causes
The exact cause of scleroderma remains unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as exposure to certain types of chemicals, are thought to play a role. This autoimmune reaction leads to an overproduction of collagen, a key component of connective tissue, resulting in the thickening and hardening characteristic of the disease.
Signs and symptoms
- Tight, hard patches of skin - Skin changes (may appear shiny or darker) - Joint pain and stiffness - Swelling of the hands and feet - Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers or toes turning white or blue in response to cold temperatures or stress) - Acid reflux or difficulty swallowing - Shortness of breath or wheezing - Fatigue
Diagnosing Scleroderma
Diagnosing scleroderma involves a thorough clinical examination by a healthcare professional, often a rheumatologist. The process may include blood tests to look for certain antibodies, skin biopsies to examine affected tissues, and imaging tests like echocardiograms or pulmonary function tests to assess the extent of organ involvement. Patient history and symptom analysis are crucial in forming a diagnosis and ruling out similar conditions.
Prevention and natural treatment
While there is no known way to prevent scleroderma, functional medicine provides a holistic approach to treatment focused on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include: - Nutrition: A diet high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, and a rich variety of fruits and vegetables are recommended. - Physical Therapy: To enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve strength and flexibility. - Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage Raynaud's phenomenon and improve overall wellbeing. - Supplements: Certain supplements like vitamin D, which helps regulate the immune system, might be beneficial. However, always consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement. Natural treatments focus on personalizing care to the individual's needs, incorporating lifestyle changes, and optimizing environmental factors to support the body's healing capacity. Engaging with a healthcare provider who understands the complexities of scleroderma and is trained in functional medicine can be an invaluable resource in managing this condition.
Browse popular locations
Atlanta, GA- Houston, TX
- Chicago, IL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Austin, TX
- Dallas, TX
- New York, NY
- Seattle, WA
- Charlotte, NC
- Denver, CO
- Maryland, NY
Connect with an expert for Scleroderma
