Red bumps with red ring around it. When a Red Circle on Your Skin Is Not Ringworm: A Comprehensive Guide

02.01.202125.07.2023 by alexxlab

Discover the different skin conditions that can cause a red circle on your skin, and learn when it is not ringworm. This article provides answers to questions about the signs and symptoms of various skin disorders.

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Differentiating Ringworm from Other Skin Conditions

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a distinctive red, circular rash on the skin. However, there are several other skin conditions that can also result in a similar red, circular appearance, which can easily be mistaken for ringworm. Understanding the key differences between these conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Eczema: Itchy, Dry Skin

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While the initial symptoms of eczema may resemble those of ringworm, such as an itchy, red patch, eczema does not typically form a circular pattern. Instead, eczema may present as rough, scaly patches of skin that can swell and produce crusting or oozing. Unlike ringworm, there is currently no cure for eczema, but the symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription topicals or immunosuppressants.

Granuloma Annulare: Circular Skin Bumps

Granuloma annulare is a skin condition that can cause a circular arrangement of small, skin-colored, pink, or red bumps. The diameter of the rings can be up to 2 inches, which can resemble the appearance of ringworm. However, granuloma annulare is not a fungal infection, and its exact cause is often unclear. It may be triggered by minor skin injuries, insect or animal bites, vaccinations, or infections. Treatment for granuloma annulare may include corticosteroid creams or injections, oral medications, freezing with liquid nitrogen, or light therapy.

Psoriasis: Red Patches with Silvery Scales

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause red, itchy patches with silvery scales. While the appearance of these patches may resemble ringworm, psoriasis is not a fungal infection. Instead, it is a skin condition that accelerates the skin cell life cycle, leading to the characteristic red, scaly patches. Unlike ringworm, there is currently no cure for psoriasis, but the symptoms can be managed with a variety of treatments, including topical steroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine, and light therapy.

Contact Dermatitis: Reaction to Chemicals

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when the body reacts to a specific chemical, such as a skin care product or detergent. Like ringworm, contact dermatitis can cause an itchy, red rash, but it is not a fungal infection. Other symptoms of contact dermatitis may include dry, scaly, or cracked skin, swelling, tenderness, bumps, or blisters. The key to treating contact dermatitis is identifying and avoiding the specific substance that triggers the reaction, in addition to using steroid ointments or creams and taking oral medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Lyme Disease: Bullseye Rash

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a characteristic bullseye-shaped rash. This rash, which is a common early sign of Lyme disease, can resemble the circular appearance of ringworm. However, Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through a tick bite, not a fungal infection. Other symptoms of Lyme disease may include flu-like symptoms and a spreading rash that is itchy or painful. It is important to seek prompt treatment for Lyme disease, which typically involves the use of oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Pityriasis Rosea: Oval, Scaly Patches

Pityriasis rosea is a skin condition that can start with a round or oval, slightly raised, scaly patch, often on the chest, abdomen, or back. This initial “herald patch” may be mistaken for ringworm due to its circular appearance. However, pityriasis rosea is not a fungal infection, and the herald patch is typically followed by the development of additional smaller, scaly patches that can form a distinctive “Christmas tree” pattern on the skin.

In summary, while a red, circular rash on the skin can be a sign of the fungal infection known as ringworm, there are several other skin conditions that can present with a similar appearance. Understanding the key differences in symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches for these various skin disorders is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of the underlying condition.

When a Red Circle on Your Skin Is Not Ringworm

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham on April 18, 2019

The telltale signs of the fungal infection ringworm, include an area of the skin that may be:

red
itchy
scaly
bumpy
roughly circular

It may also have a slightly raised border. If the border of the patch slightly raises and extends outward, roughly forming a circle, it might resemble a worm or a snake.

Ringworm is actually caused by mold-like parasites — no actual worm is involved. If caught early it can be cleared with an antifungal cream or ointment. If it covers a large area of skin, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine.

These signs of ringworm can be different for different people and they’re similar to other conditions. So, if that red circle on your skin isn’t ringworm, what could it be?

Like ringworm, eczema is often first noticed as an itchy, red patch. Other symptoms may include:

dry skin
rough or scaly patches of skin
swelling
crusting or oozing

Unlike ringworm, there’s currently no cure for eczema. But symptoms can be managed with:

lifestyle changes
over-the-counter remedies
prescription topicals
immunosuppressants

Because it often looks like a ring of small skin-colored, pink or red bumps, granuloma annulare might be mistakenly identified as ringworm. The diameter of the rings can be up to 2 inches.

While ringworm is a fungal infection, it’s not clear was causes granuloma annulare.

It’s sometimes triggered by:

minor skin injuries
insect or animal bites
vaccinations
infections

Granuloma annulare is typically treated with:

corticosteroid creams or injections
oral medications, such as antibiotics or drugs to prevent immune system reactions
freezing with liquid nitrogen
light therapy

Psoriasis could be mistaken for ringworm because of the itchy red patches and scales that are symptoms of the condition.

Unlike ringworm, psoriasis is not a fungal infection, it’s a skin condition that accelerates the skin cell life cycle.

Psoriasis symptoms may include:

red patches with silvery scales
itching, soreness, or burning
cracked, dry skin

While ringworm can be cured with antifungal medication, there’s currently no cure for psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriasis can be addressed with a variety of treatments including:

topical steroids
vitamin D analogues
retinoids
calcineurin inhibitors
cyclosporine
light therapy

With its itchy, red rash, contact dermatitis might be confused with ringworm. Contact dermatitis occurs when your body reacts to a chemical, such as a skin care product or detergent.

Other symptoms might include:

dry, scaly, cracked skin
swelling or tenderness
bumps or blisters

Like ringworm, a key to treating contact dermatitis is avoidance. With ringworm, a contagious fungal infection, you avoid infected people, animals, and objects. With contact dermatitis you identify and avoid the substance that triggers the condition.

Treatment might include steroid ointments or creams and oral medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

A bullseye rash is a common sign of Lyme disease. Because of its circular appearance, it can be mistaken for ringworm.

Lyme disease is caused by a bite from a black-legged tick.

Other symptoms of Lyme disease may include flu-like symptoms and a spreading rash that’s itchy or painful.

It’s important to treat Lyme disease as soon as possible. Treatment commonly includes oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Pityriasis rosea typically starts with a round or oval, slightly raised, scaly patch on your chest, abdomen, or back. Because of its shape, the first patch (herald patch) might be erroneously thought to be ringworm. The herald patch is usually followed by smaller spots and itching.

Although the exact cause of pityriasis rosea hasn’t been determined, it’s thought to be triggered by a viral infection. Unlike ringworm, it’s not believed to be contagious.

Pityriasis rosea commonly goes away on its own in 10 weeks or less and is treated with nonprescription medications and remedies to relieve itching.

If the itching is unbearable or it doesn’t disappear in an appropriate amount of time, your doctor may prescribe:

antihistamines
antiviral drugs
corticosteroids

Although a circular or ring-like rash could be ringworm, it could also be a ringworm look alike.

If you notice a circular rash on yourself or a child, a visit to the doctor for an accurate diagnosis is often warranted. Your doctor might refer you to a dermatologist. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a dermatologist.

If, following the doctor’s visit, the rash doesn’t clear up as expected, update your doctor to see if you need a new diagnosis. Many skin conditions have similar appearances and symptoms, so the original diagnosis may have been inaccurate.

Last medically reviewed on April 18, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

About psoriasis. (2018).
psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
Contact dermatitis. (n.d.).
aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/contact-dermatitis
Eczema treatment. (n.d.).
nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/
Lyme disease: Treatment. (2018).
cdc.gov/lyme/treatment/index.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Pityriasis rosea.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pityriasis-rosea/symptoms-causes/syc-20376405
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Granuloma annulare.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/granuloma-annulare/symptoms-causes/syc-20351319
Ringworm. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/ringworm
Signs of Lyme disease that appear on your skin. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lyme-disease
What is eczema? (n.d.).
nationaleczema.org/eczema/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham on April 18, 2019

When a Red Circle on Your Skin Is Not Ringworm

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham on April 18, 2019

The telltale signs of the fungal infection ringworm, include an area of the skin that may be:

red
itchy
scaly
bumpy
roughly circular

It may also have a slightly raised border. If the border of the patch slightly raises and extends outward, roughly forming a circle, it might resemble a worm or a snake.

These signs of ringworm can be different for different people and they’re similar to other conditions. So, if that red circle on your skin isn’t ringworm, what could it be?

Like ringworm, eczema is often first noticed as an itchy, red patch. Other symptoms may include:

dry skin
rough or scaly patches of skin
swelling
crusting or oozing

Unlike ringworm, there’s currently no cure for eczema. But symptoms can be managed with:

lifestyle changes
over-the-counter remedies
prescription topicals
immunosuppressants

Because it often looks like a ring of small skin-colored, pink or red bumps, granuloma annulare might be mistakenly identified as ringworm. The diameter of the rings can be up to 2 inches.

While ringworm is a fungal infection, it’s not clear was causes granuloma annulare.

It’s sometimes triggered by:

minor skin injuries
insect or animal bites
vaccinations
infections

Granuloma annulare is typically treated with:

corticosteroid creams or injections
oral medications, such as antibiotics or drugs to prevent immune system reactions
freezing with liquid nitrogen
light therapy

Psoriasis could be mistaken for ringworm because of the itchy red patches and scales that are symptoms of the condition.

Unlike ringworm, psoriasis is not a fungal infection, it’s a skin condition that accelerates the skin cell life cycle.

Psoriasis symptoms may include:

red patches with silvery scales
itching, soreness, or burning
cracked, dry skin

While ringworm can be cured with antifungal medication, there’s currently no cure for psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriasis can be addressed with a variety of treatments including:

topical steroids
vitamin D analogues
retinoids
calcineurin inhibitors
cyclosporine
light therapy

With its itchy, red rash, contact dermatitis might be confused with ringworm. Contact dermatitis occurs when your body reacts to a chemical, such as a skin care product or detergent.

Other symptoms might include:

dry, scaly, cracked skin
swelling or tenderness
bumps or blisters

Treatment might include steroid ointments or creams and oral medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids.

A bullseye rash is a common sign of Lyme disease. Because of its circular appearance, it can be mistaken for ringworm.

Lyme disease is caused by a bite from a black-legged tick.

Other symptoms of Lyme disease may include flu-like symptoms and a spreading rash that’s itchy or painful.

It’s important to treat Lyme disease as soon as possible. Treatment commonly includes oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Although the exact cause of pityriasis rosea hasn’t been determined, it’s thought to be triggered by a viral infection. Unlike ringworm, it’s not believed to be contagious.

Pityriasis rosea commonly goes away on its own in 10 weeks or less and is treated with nonprescription medications and remedies to relieve itching.

If the itching is unbearable or it doesn’t disappear in an appropriate amount of time, your doctor may prescribe:

antihistamines
antiviral drugs
corticosteroids

Although a circular or ring-like rash could be ringworm, it could also be a ringworm look alike.

Last medically reviewed on April 18, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

About psoriasis. (2018).
psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
Contact dermatitis. (n.d.).
aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/contact-dermatitis
Eczema treatment. (n.d.).
nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/
Lyme disease: Treatment. (2018).
cdc.gov/lyme/treatment/index.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Pityriasis rosea.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pityriasis-rosea/symptoms-causes/syc-20376405
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Granuloma annulare.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/granuloma-annulare/symptoms-causes/syc-20351319
Ringworm. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/ringworm
Signs of Lyme disease that appear on your skin. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lyme-disease
What is eczema? (n.d.).
nationaleczema.org/eczema/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham on April 18, 2019

symptoms, causes and treatments

Erythema migrans is an infectious disease caused by a tick bite that appears as a red spot with a central part and peripheral annular formations. It is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and start treatment in order to prevent possible complications.

Erythema migrans (or borreliosis) is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Its symptoms are a circular rash around the bite, headache, arthritis, and fatigue.

This disease can be caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. Although the disease can appear at any time of the year, it is most common in the spring and summer when tick season is active.

If left untreated, serious consequences may occur, including joint inactivity, paralysis, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Treatment includes antibiotics and analgesics, which relieve symptoms and reduce infection.

Erythema migrans is a skin disease characterized by red, itchy patches on the skin that spread rapidly throughout the body.

The cause of erythema migrans is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the disease is caused by a malfunction of the immune system: the body begins to attack its own tissues, resulting in erythema and other symptoms. Erythema migrans can also be caused by tick bites and vector-borne infectious diseases such as borreliosis.

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat erythema migrans. However, the appointment of treatment should only be carried out by a doctor, since the wrong treatment can worsen the condition.

In general, erythema migrans requires medical attention because the disease can lead to serious complications such as arthritis and neurological disorders.

Erythema migrans is a condition that appears as a round, red patch on the skin that increases in size and travels throughout the body over several weeks. The skin around the patch may be slightly swollen and itchy. This disease is usually caused by the bite of a tick that transmits a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi.

Erythema migrans is the first symptom of Lyme disease and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If you notice a red spot on your skin that is getting bigger and moving, see your doctor right away for treatment.

It is important that you never try to remove a tick yourself, as this can lead to more infestation. If you find a tick on your skin, see your doctor for extensive antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing Lyme disease and other diseases transmitted by ticks.

Q&A:

What is erythema migrans?

Erythema migrans is a circular rash on the skin that appears after a tick bite. They can be repeated in different parts of the body and are accompanied by different symptoms.

What symptoms accompany erythema migrans?

Symptoms of erythema migrans may vary depending on the stage of the disease and the individual patient. At the first stage, circular rashes, reddening of the skin, headaches, fever and aching joints may appear. In later stages, heart rhythm disturbances, menstrual irregularities, memory problems, and general deterioration in health may manifest.

How to identify erythema migrans?

To determine erythema migrans, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination by an infectious disease specialist. The doctor will examine the skin, identify symptoms and refer you to blood and urine tests to clarify the diagnosis. A test for the presence of an infection in the body may also be prescribed.

What are the causes of erythema migrans?

Erythema migrans is a symptom of Lyme disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks that transmit bacteria live in forested and grassy areas, so the risk of infection is high when visiting such places.

How is erythema migrans treated?

Erythema migrans is treated with antibiotics on the advice of a doctor. Good results are shown by drugs based on doxycycline or amoxicillin. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the timeliness of diagnosis.

What happens if erythema migrans is not treated?

If erythema migrans is not treated, Borrelia burgdorferi can become chronic and remain in the body forever. This will lead to the appearance of serious diseases such as arthritis, meningitis, heart rhythm disturbances and many others.

Erythema migrans: symptoms, causes and treatments

Symptoms of erythema migrans

Erythema migrans, also known as borreliosis, has several characteristic symptoms. The main symptom is the formation of a red ring, which gradually expands. A pale zone may appear in the middle of the ring, which becomes dark over time. This ring can reach several centimeters in diameter.

In addition, erythema migrans may present with other symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, fatigue, fever, swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes. In some cases, flu-like symptoms may appear, such as a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your doctor. Treating erythema migrans early can keep you healthy and prevent complications.

Causes of erythema migrans

Erythema migrans is the body’s response to an infection caused by certain types of bacteria. The most well-known causative agent is the Ixodes tick, which causes Lyme disease. However, there are other types of microbes and viruses that can cause a similar reaction.

In addition, erythema migrans can occur due to certain medical procedures, such as vaccinations and medications, and allergic reactions to foods and chemicals.

Heredity and individual sensitivity to bacteria and other pathogens may also increase the risk of erythema migrans.

It is important to note that the risk of developing Lyme disease, and therefore erythema migrans, increases when visiting wooded and mountainous areas where there are a large number of ticks.

Diagnosis of erythema migrans

Diagnosis of erythema migrans is a process that determines whether a patient has this condition. To begin with, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the skin, where typical circular erythematous foci are found, while the skin shows changes resembling tick bites.

Laboratory testing can be done to confirm the diagnosis. The patient’s blood is tested for antibodies against the Borrelia spirochete bacterium. If the test is positive, then a conclusion is made about the presence of migrating erythema.

In addition, erythema migrans may be a symptom of other diseases such as viral infections or autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the doctor may prescribe additional tests and studies to rule out other possible diagnoses.

It is important to pay attention to the presence of symptoms in relatives of the patient, who may also have signs of erythema migrans. This will help to make the diagnosis more accurate and speed up the start of treatment.

The use of modern diagnostic methods allows more accurate and faster detection of erythema migrans. Early detection and timely initiation of treatment help to avoid possible complications and negative consequences of the disease.

Treatment of erythema migrans: methods and recommendations

Pharmacotherapy

As a rule, complex therapy is used to treat erythema migrans, which includes the use of antibacterial, antipruritic and antiallergic drugs. Antipruritic drugs include antihistamines, which help reduce itching and redness of the skin.

Antibiotic therapy is most often used to fight infection, which is prescribed depending on the pathogenic agent. The doctor may also prescribe a course of corticosteroids, which may shorten the duration and severity of the erythema.

Topical skin care

It is important to take good care of affected skin. Cool compresses, menthol creams, or local anesthetics can be used to relieve itching and redness.

Prevention Rules

Avoid contact with allergens and skin irritants.
Avoid overheating and hypothermia.
Go to places where the level of cleanliness of the environment meets the standards.
Treat infectious diseases in a timely manner to avoid complications.

Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations

In the process of treating erythema migrans, it is important to follow all the doctor’s prescriptions, not to change dosages and not to miss the prescribed procedures. It is also necessary to promptly seek medical help in case of deterioration or the appearance of new symptoms.

Traditional treatments for erythema migrans

Various traditional therapies are used to treat erythema migrans, which can help reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process.

One method is to use anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain in the area of the skin. These include nekstatin, ibuprofen, nimesulide, etc.

Antihistamines can be used to stop the symptoms of the disease, which eliminate itching and skin rash. These include tavegil, suprastin, diprazine, etc.

Ointments and creams containing glucocorticoids are also often used. They help reduce inflammation and itching, and speed up the process of skin regeneration. These include flucinar, elocom, locoid, etc.

An important step in the treatment of erythema migrans is to diagnose and identify the underlying factor that contributed to the development of the disease. If the disease is caused by some other disease, it must also be treated.

Alternative treatments for erythema migrans

In addition to the standard treatments for erythema migrans, there are alternative ways to help with this condition.

Herbal infusions: many herbs such as chamomile, calendula, sorrel, etc. have anti-inflammatory properties. Infusions of them may be useful for the treatment of erythema migrans.
Massage: massage can help reduce soreness and inflammation of the skin. But you need to be careful and avoid massaging areas with pronounced symptoms.
Aromatherapy: bath with lavender, rosemary and thyme oils softens the skin and reduces the soreness of erythema migrans.
Diet: Highly spiced foods, alcohol, citrus fruits, and other foods can contribute to the development of erythema migrans, so dietary management is an important aspect of treatment.

But it must be remembered that alternative treatments for erythema migrans should never replace standard methods, and their use should be agreed with the attending physician.

Prevention of erythema migrans

Erythema migrans is a disease that often occurs after a tick bite and Borrelia infection. However, there are several ways to prevent the development of this disease.

Avoid walks in thickets of grass and bushes: ticks live in the grass and can wait for the victim on the leaves of plants. It is better to limit yourself to walking on paved roads and sidewalks.
Wear clothing that covers all exposed areas of the body: wear long shirts or jackets, jeans and shoes that cover your feet.
Use repellents: repellents repel ticks and may prevent them from biting. Apply repellent to skin and clothing, but be sure to reapply every few hours.
Check after outdoor activities: Examine your body and clothing carefully to make sure you have not been caught by a tick.

Taking these simple precautions can help you avoid developing erythema migrans and related health problems.

Erythema migrans complication

Erythema migrans is a disease that causes skin rashes in the form of rings with a bright red center and borders that gradually expand. Although considered harmless in most cases, erythema migrans can lead to serious complications that can be dangerous to a person’s health.

Heart failure is one of the most common complications of erythema migrans. It is caused by dysfunction of the heart, which leads to pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and increased pressure in the pulmonary artery.

Neurological dislocations is another complication of erythema migrans that can cause serious harm to the patient’s health. This is due to inflammation of the nerve endings, which leads to painful dislocations or even paralysis.

Vision problems – Erythema migrans may cause damage to the optic nerves which may lead to visual impairment.

Convulsions and paralysis – with the development of erythema migrans, a person may experience problems with the muscles, which can lead to convulsions and paralysis.

Development of infections – migrating erythema may provoke the development of infections such as bacterial meningitis or craniocerebral inflammation.

Erythema migrans specialist consultation

Erythema migrans is a condition that can affect people of all ages and genders. This disease is characterized by the appearance of rashes on the skin, which not only cause cosmetic discomfort, but can also indicate serious health problems.

If you notice a rash on your skin that is accompanied by itching, redness and peeling, be sure to contact a specialist. A dermatologist will be able to diagnose and determine the cause of erythema migrans. Blood, urine, and other tests may be required for proper diagnosis.

Depending on the cause of erythema migrans, the specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. This can be the use of ointments, creams, lotions, as well as taking medications. Take medications and use funds strictly according to the recommendation of a specialist.

In addition, a dermatologist can advise on skin care during and after treatment. Avoid sunlight, use sunscreen, and don’t touch the rash with your hands.

Do not forget that erythema migrans should be treated in a timely manner and only under the supervision of a specialist. Take care of your health and beauty of the skin!

Scleroderma – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Scleroderma is a term of Greek origin and means hard skin. The disease is both a rheumatological and connective tissue disorder. With scleroderma, the skin thickens and thickens, and it loses its elasticity. With scleroderma, damage to microvessels throughout the body is possible, which in turn can lead to damage to internal organs. And although the disease mainly affects the hands, face and legs, but the deterioration of blood supply can lead to problems in the digestive tract, in the respiratory system and in the cardiovascular system.

Scleroderma can present differently in different people. There are many subtypes of this disease. Doctors generally classify scleroderma as either localized or systemic, depending on the extent of skin damage. The widespread form of the disease is often referred to as systemic sclerosis and can be predictively life-threatening.

Approximately 300,000 Americans have been diagnosed with scleroderma. The disease is more common in the US than in Europe or Japan. But it was not possible to identify any dependence on racial or ethnic factors. The only thing that has been noted is that scleroderma is much more common in women than in men.

Women develop limited forms of the disease three times more often than men, and more than 80% of patients with systemic scleroderma are women aged 30 to 50. Rarely, children can also get scleroderma. Over the past 20 years, it has been possible to increase the life expectancy of patients with scleroderma through the use of more effective treatment. Thus, scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease, which is manifested by thickening and thickening of the skin and vasoconstriction (as a result, damage to internal organs). The disease develops mainly in adults aged 30-50 years, mainly in women.

There are two types of scleroderma: limited scleroderma and systemic (diffuse) scleroderma. Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin, while systemic scleroderma is a systemic disease that can affect various organs and systems of the body.

There are two types of localized scleroderma:

Plaque form: manifested by the appearance of spots on the skin, oval red or purple, dense to the touch (as the plaque develops, it may become whitish in the center)
Linear: streaks of thickening appear on the skin of the arms, legs, or face.

Systemic scleroderma can begin gradually, first involving the skin of the hands, face, or be progressive, involving not only the limbs, but also the trunk and internal organs (usually the lungs, esophagus, intestines):

Causes

The main feature of scleroderma is excessive collagen production. Collagen is one of the building materials that makes up the skin. With an excess of collagen, tissue thickening and loss of elasticity occur.

The underlying cause of scleroderma is still unclear. For some unknown reason, the immune system turns against body tissues and the result is an overproduction of collagen. Currently, studies are underway to identify the relationship between the immune system, the vascular system and the growth of connective tissue. Studies on twins have shown the absence of a genetic factor. And although the cause of scleroderma has not been established, the mechanism of the disease is associated with autoimmune processes, in which damage occurs to both the skin and other organs. The autoimmune process triggers an excess production of collagen, which leads to thickening and thickening of the skin. In addition, changes in the connective tissue lead to pressure on the vessels of both large and small arteries.

Symptoms

The symptoms of scleroderma can vary from patient to patient. The most common manifestations are hardening and thickening of the skin on the toes and face. The skin may thicken during the first two to three years of the disease. After that, the thickening, as a rule, decreases. The main symptoms of scleroderma include:

Swelling, stiffness, or pain in the toes or fingers, or face.
Tingling, numbness, or swelling of the skin.
Skin discoloration.
Sensitivity to cold and intermittent and transient pallor of the fingers (Raynaud’s syndrome), accompanied by pain in the fingers.
Red spots on the fingers, palms, face, lips, or tongue, from persistently dilated capillaries (telangiectasias).
Ulcers or sores on fingertips or elbows.
Loss of the ability of the skin to stretch.
Itching.
Joint pain
Fatigue.
Twisting fingers (sclerodactyly).
Presence of calcifications under the skin
Gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, prolonged retention of food in the digestive tract due to decreased activity of intestinal smooth muscle.
Loss of motor function of the hand due to tightening of the skin on the hand and fingers.
Shortness of breath associated with damage to the lungs and heart.

Diagnosis

Scleroderma is often difficult to diagnose because it can look like many other conditions. Changes in skin thickness, the presence of certain antibodies in the blood, or early changes in blood vessels can be helpful in diagnosing the disease. If necessary, it is possible to take a biopsy for tissue analysis, which also helps to make a diagnosis.

One useful test is the nail capillary analysis. It is based on the early manifestation of scleroderma and is manifested by the disappearance of capillaries in the skin of the hands and feet. For this analysis, a microscope or magnifying glass is used and the skin in the nail area is viewed. For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to compare both laboratory methods of research and clinical data, and the history of the disease.

Treatment

There is no pathogenic treatment for scleroderma yet. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Medicines used in scleroderma:

For limited manifestations, it is possible to use ointments of a moisturizing nature or containing corticosteroids. In addition, UVI procedures give a good result.

Vasodilator drugs that relax and widen the blood vessels may be given to reduce the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome, when blood flow to the distal extremities is interrupted. ACE inhibitors are prescribed in the presence of hypertension and the presence of problems in the vessels of the kidneys.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen can relieve joint pain. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may also be used to reduce inflammation.

Dyspepsia can occur when scleroderma affects the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This can be treated with drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach and normalize intestinal motility.

Immunosuppressants such as D-penicillamine reduce collagen production to some extent, but their therapeutic effect is accompanied by pronounced side effects and their use is rather limited.

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