Lupus and scleroderma are autoimmune diseases that affect connective tissues, but they have distinct differences in appearance, symptoms, and treatments. Lupus is primarily an inflammatory disease with a butterfly rash, while scleroderma is a fibrous disease with thickened and hardened skin. Both diseases affect multiple organs and occur more often in women. There is no cure, but symptoms can be treated with medication.
Lupus and scleroderma are in the same family of connective tissue diseases, but they are distinct disorders that are different in appearance, have different symptoms, and have different treatments. Both conditions are autoimmune diseases, resulting from an overactive immune system that attacks the body’s tissues as foreign substances. While lupus is primarily an inflammatory disease, scleroderma is a fibrous disease that affects connective tissues.
The differences between lupus and scleroderma begin with the characteristic appearance of each condition. Lupus is characterized by a distinctive “butterfly” rash on the face; that is, a red rash that spreads across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Scleroderma, on the other hand, is defined by thickened and hardened skin, usually on the fingers but also on the hands, feet, forearms and face.
The exact causes of each condition are unknown, but there may be a genetic component. Scleroderma results from an overproduction of collagen, a connective tissue found throughout the body and a component of scar tissue. Lupus is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs and blood cells.
As autoimmune diseases, lupus and scleroderma have similarities. Both disorders affect multiple organs, most commonly blood vessels, and both occur more often in women than in men. They are considered “overlapping” diseases because they are closely related and share symptoms, such as an exaggerated response to cold. The diseases can occur together in the same person, although this is not common. About 4% of people with lupus also have scleroderma.
Symptoms of lupus vary greatly from person to person and can depend on the severity of the condition. In addition to the butterfly rash, other typical symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight change, and joint pain or stiffness. They could also include hair loss, skin rashes that appear or get worse after sun exposure, and mouth sores. People who have lupus may also find that their fingers or toes go numb and discolored when cold.
The classic symptom of scleroderma is fingers or toes that turn white or gray when exposed to cold. Other symptoms include thickened patches of skin on the fingers or hands and tight skin on the face or hands. Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease are also common symptoms.
Diagnosing lupus and scleroderma is difficult. There is an overlap between these conditions and other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, so the diagnostic process can be lengthy. The diagnosis is based on examinations by rheumatologists and the results of blood tests.
Lupus and scleroderma have no cure, but the symptoms can be treated. Lupus is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as corticosteroids to control inflammation. Antimalarial drugs are also effective, although there is no known connection between lupus and malaria. Lupus typically alternates between periods of flare-up and dormancy.
The symptoms of scleroderma are treated with heartburn medications and agents to suppress the immune system. Blood pressure medications may also be used. These drugs dilate blood vessels to improve circulation.
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