The Invisible Changes: How Scleroderma Affects Facial Appearance

Facial appearance can be an important part of one’s identity, and it can be difficult to accept changes to one’s face that are caused by medical conditions. Scleroderma is one such condition that can cause changes to the facial appearance of those affected. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks itself, causing a hardening of the skin and connective tissues. The disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes to the facial appearance. It is important for doctors to understand the potential effects of scleroderma on facial appearance in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.

What is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the skin, joints, and internal organs. It is caused by the body’s immune system attacking itself, leading to hardening and scarring of the skin and connective tissues. The disease can range from mild to severe, and there is no cure. Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Scleroderma can affect the face in a variety of ways. It can cause changes to the skin, such as thickening, discoloration, and tightness. It can also cause changes to the underlying structures of the face, such as the bones, muscles, and blood vessels. These changes can lead to a variety of facial appearance changes, including a mask-like face, sunken eyes, and a sunken mouth.

Effects on Facial Appearance

Scleroderma can cause a variety of changes to the facial appearance. These changes can range from mild to severe, and they can be visible or invisible. Visible changes can include discoloration of the skin, thickening of the skin, and tightness of the skin. These changes can cause the face to appear mask-like, with a sunken mouth and eyes.

Invisible changes can include changes to the underlying structures of the face, such as the bones, muscles, and blood vessels. These changes can lead to a variety of facial appearance changes, including a decrease in facial mobility, a decrease in facial expression, and a decrease in facial volume. These changes can cause the face to appear gaunt and aged.

Scleroderma can also cause changes to the eyes. These changes can include dryness, inflammation, and scarring of the eye. These changes can lead to a decrease in vision and can cause the eyes to appear sunken.

Managing Facial Changes

The changes to facial appearance caused by scleroderma can be difficult to accept. It is important for doctors to understand the potential effects of the condition on facial appearance in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. Treatment of scleroderma is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing complications. In addition, there are treatments available to help manage the facial changes caused by scleroderma.

The most common treatment for facial changes caused by scleroderma is moisturizing. Moisturizers can help to reduce the tightness and dryness of the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. In addition, there are topical medications available that can help to reduce inflammation and scarring, as well as reduce the appearance of discoloration.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the facial changes caused by scleroderma. Surgery can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging, as well as improve facial mobility and expression. Surgery can also help to restore facial volume, as well as improve the appearance of the eyes.

Conclusion

Scleroderma can cause a variety of changes to the facial appearance of those affected. These changes can range from mild to severe, and they can be visible or invisible. It is important for doctors to understand the potential effects of scleroderma on facial appearance in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. Treatment of scleroderma is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing complications. In addition, there are treatments available to help manage the facial changes caused by scleroderma.