Docs to suggest ways to cope with scleroderma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 27

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) will celebrate World Scleroderma Day on June 30.

Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare disease that results into chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma more often affects women. It commonly occurs between the age of 30 and 50.

According to Dr Shefali Khanna Sharma from the Department of Internal Medicine of the PGIMER, it is a rare auto-immune disease that literally means “hard skin” can cause thickening and tightening of the skin as well as serious damage to internal organs. There is no known cause of the problem.

She said nearly 600 patients, who are suffering from the problem, are undergoing treatment at the PGI.

“Besides inviting patients, we are spreading awareness among people that the treatment of this rare disease was available at the PGI,” said Dr Sharma.

The doctors will hold talks to enhance understanding about the disease and will suggest simple ways that can help cope with the disease. Patients will also share their experiences.

“It is a gentle reminder that you are not the only one suffering from the disease. So pull your socks up to live your life as normally as possible,” said Dr Sharma.

The scleroderma patient awareness programme will be held at the Lecture Theatre (LT-1) in Nehru Hospital. Dr Rohini Handa, Dr Sanjay Jain, Dr Shefali K Sharma and Dr Pankaj Gupta will brief about the disease, followed by a panel discussion by Dr Varun Dhir.

Early detection is the only cure

Treatment depends upon the type and stage of involvement. It is beneficial to pick up the disease early so as to prevent its spread.