Scleroderma

Causes 

Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks the connective tissue beneath the skin and in other parts of the body. Fibrosis, the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, which is a primary characteristic, is caused by inflammation. The circulation problem, Raynaud’s, can lead on to this disease developing. Having a close family member with this condition may make a person more likely to develop it, as it is thought that certain genes may increase a person’s chance of being affected. Age can be another factor that is involved as systemic sclerosis generally affects women between the ages of 30 and 50. This condition may be triggered or worsened by exposure to certain harmful chemicals. There may also be an underlying viral infection that is a contributory factor. 

Symptoms 

Localised scleroderma has 2 types, morphoea and linear, and is the less severe form of this condition that just affects the skin, causing it to be hardened. Morphoea scleroderma leads to itchy, oval-shaped patches of discoloured skin which can develop anywhere on the body. The affected skin may also be shiny in appearance and free from hair. Thickened skin on the face and limbs occurs in the case of linear scleroderma and sometimes, deeper tissue including bone and muscle, may be impacted. While these symptoms can improve over time, there may be permanently stunted growth in the limbs. The internal organs can also be affected by a form of this condition known as systemic sclerosis, which can further be divided into 2 types. Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis primarily just affects the skin on the limbs, hands, feet and face, causing it to be thickened and have red spots or hard lumps underneath. Symptoms usually get worse over time and may go on to cause swallowing difficulties, heartburn and problems with the lungs and digestive system. The other type, diffuse systemic sclerosis can impact on skin all over the body as well as affecting the internal organs. People with this condition may experience weight loss, pain in the joints and fatigue. Though worsening at first, symptoms may improve after a few years. Women affected by systemic sclerosis may struggle to conceive and may be more likely to suffer from complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage.  

BICOM® Programs to be Used 

Do the regular balancing as a starter. Use the DC ampoules DC000 and unmask for 6-7 minutes. Check the person with DC pink ampoules Lowered Resistance, Stabilise Immune and Natural Killer Cells. If all three vials are positive, then the person is autoimmune.  

Then go to Program 582.0. Check Ai. If positive, move to amplification. If amplification Ai is 1.5 to 4.0 the patient is autoimmune. The person most probably has a viral infection. Remove the virus first. Check Gamma Herpes and Retro Virus.  

Supplements to take 

Omega 6 fatty acid, vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin D, curcumin 

Other therapies 

Keeping the affected skin properly moisturised can help to relieve itchiness and maintain flexibility in the skin. Medication may be used to improve circulation or to help improve other symptoms including pain, high blood pressure and heartburn. Steroids may help with joint problems and immunosuppressant drugs can lessen the activity of the immune system and therefore, reduce the rate at which the disease progresses. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to remove lumps from under the skin and loosen tight muscles. If the person has an underlying viral infection that may be contributing, treating this may help to target the root cause. Regular stretching exercises and physiotherapy can help to loosen the tightened skin and muscles. Having regular exercise and avoiding smoking can help to improve circulation and control blood pressure. It is also important to have a balanced, healthy diet with a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. Given that melatonin has multiple effects that can help improve scleroderma, getting adequate sleep is vital. Photodynamic and laser therapy are both relatively new forms of treatment that may prove effective in improving this condition.

Experiences and case studies 

A 16-year-old female patient was diagnosed with Lupus erythematosus, another autoimmune condition that also affects the connective tissue. She was suffering from pain and severe inflammation in the joints, particularly the knees, which made it difficult for her to get herself out of bed. Her blood platelet counts were also low. Weekly BICOM® treatments soon improved her general wellbeing; within a few weeks, the platelet counts were back to normal and the joint symptoms had improved.