Scleroderma Awareness Week is observed during the week of June 12. This year, it is observed from June 9 to 15. Scleroderma is a condition that causes skin hardening that affects not just the skin, joints, and muscles, but also some internal organs. It often affects tens of thousands of middle-aged Americans throughout their reproductive years, with women being more affected than males. Scleroderma patients’ prospects have improved dramatically in recent years. Being diagnosed with an illness that no one has heard of can be isolating. Scleroderma Awareness Week was established to provide insight into this crippling disease.
History of Scleroderma Awareness Week
Scleroderma is a disease that causes the skin and, in certain circumstances, organs in the body to harden. Scleroderma is a disease with a lengthy history, even though the medical word for it was only coined in the early 19th century. Its symptoms have been documented as far back as 400 B.C. In the mid-1700s, an Italian doctor named Carlo Curzio published the first complete description of the condition. His patient was reported as having hard, wood-like skin. That patient was admitted to the hospital under Curzio’s care, with symptoms including skin stiffness in multiple locations, tightness around the lips, as well as stiffness in the neck.
Giovambattista Fantonetti was the first to use the term ‘scleroderma’ in 1836. He characterized one of his patients as having dark, leathered skin that was constricting and causing problems with joint movement. Systemic scleroderma affects about three out of every 100,000 people each year, mostly middle-aged persons.
Scleroderma is now a rather uncommon condition. While the prevalence of the disease varies around the world, we do know that women are more likely than men to be impacted. Statistics show that the number of persons affected with scleroderma has increased over the last 50 years, although it’s unclear whether this is due to the actual prevalence of the disease or increased knowledge of the ailment.
Scleroderma Awareness Week timeline
An Italian doctor named Carlo Curzio publishes the first complete description of the condition of scleroderma.
Giovambattista Fantonetti is the first to use the term ‘scleroderma.’
The first conclusive instance of scleroderma is reported.
Several cases are reported by this time and articles on the disease are written.
Sir William Osler describes scleroderma while working at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Scleroderma Awareness Week FAQs
Does scleroderma cause pain?
Scleroderma is characterized by pain, stiffness, and achiness.
Does scleroderma make you gain weight?
Acute morphea (localized scleroderma) can cause severe widespread edema, fast weight gain, and oliguria.
What is the scleroderma survival rate?
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) has a 68% survival rate.
How to Observe Scleroderma Awareness Week
Make donations
Participate in the observation and contribute to making a difference. Donate to the Scleroderma Unit to help finance medical research. You can also search for organizations and learn about fundraising participation.
Use social media to raise awareness
Scleroderma posters, brief video clips, and images conveying facts and information about scleroderma can all be shared on social media. Use hashtags that are appropriate for the occasion.
Educate yourself and your family
You must be aware to spread awareness. Use this opportunity to learn about scleroderma, its signs and symptoms, treatment options, and any other pertinent information you may uncover. You may also send links to your family and friends.
5 Sobering Facts About Scleroderma
Millions are affected
Scleroderma is a disease that affects 2.5 million people around the world.
The population affected in the U.S.
Scleroderma affects roughly 75,000 to 100,000 persons in the United States.
Symptoms differ within age groups
Scleroderma affects youngsters differently than it does adults.
It be difficult to diagnose
Scleroderma can be difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Raynaud's phenomenon affects scleroderma patients
Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes the blood vessels in the hands and feet to constrict in cold temperatures, producing pain and discoloration, affects 90% of scleroderma patients.
Why Scleroderma Awareness Week is Important
It creates a link to resources
Scleroderma affects each patient differently. With fundraisers, support groups, internet educational tools, medical information, and more, Scleroderma Awareness Week provides a way to help those living with this chronic illness and their families every step of the way. It establishes a link between the community and life-saving resources
It spreads awareness
Scleroderma is a significant autoimmune illness that lasts a long time. Unfortunately, in the United States, not enough people are aware of its debilitating and devastating effects. Scleroderma Awareness Week raises awareness of a rare disease that affects one out of every 4,000 adults.
It improves the quality of life
Scleroderma awareness can improve the quality of life of those who suffer from the disorder. Early recognition and diagnosis can benefit scleroderma patients and help them in the long run.
Scleroderma Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 12 | Sunday |
| 2023 | June 11 | Sunday |
| 2024 | June 9 | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 8 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 7 | Sunday |
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