The Colorado Springs Scleroderma Support Group, operating under the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, held its first meeting Jan. 19.Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease affecting about 300,000 people nationwide, according to the Scleroderma Foundation. However, Rita Miller, a Rocky Mountain chapter liaison, said that number could be far greater because of the complexity of the disease and its frequent misdiagnosis. She said the 300,000 number has been used for 20 years.Scleroderma Foundation facts:
- Scleroderma typically affects people between the ages of 25 and 55.
- About 80 percent of scleroderma patients are women.
- Severity can range from very mild to life threatening.
- Symptoms may include sensitivity to cold in fingers and hands; thickening of the skin; shortness of breath; difficulty swallowing; joint stiffness and pain; and damage to internal organs.
- Sclerodermaís cause is unknown, and there is no cure. However, treatments are available to help patients manage symptoms.
