Scleroderma-Polymyositis Overlap Syndromes

Abstract

Scleroderma is the disease of connective issues that involves fibrosis of tissues, vasculopathy, and abnormal functioning of the immune system. However many patients of scleroderma get affected with other connective tissue diseases as well and that is termed as Scleroderma overlap syndrome. This article is all about the Scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndromes, causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and herbal treatment by Planet Ayurveda.

Introduction

Scleroderma in itself is a connective tissue disease that affects an individual in a generalized manner and results due to the accumulation of collagen in the small arteries of the circulatory system and causes hardening and thickening of the tissues of the internal organs. Scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndrome is referred to as the condition where pyomyositis co-exist along with the Scleroderma and manifests itself strongly more than the later one.
Scleroderma overlap syndromes have criteria that must be fulfilled in the order to confirm the diagnosis it, that is the other connective tissue disease must be present there along with the Scleroderma. And the former disease should be manifested more prominently than the Scleroderma. It is an autoimmune disorder in which due to abnormal functioning of the immune system, it attacks the connective tissue and damages them resulting in hardening and tightening.

Other than polymyositis there are certain other connective tissue diseases that can exist along with the Scleroderma to form an overlap syndrome, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjogren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus disease. The patient experiences a group of signs and symptoms that seems to be of one disease but laboratory findings clear the existence of the two autoimmune connective tissue diseases that are co-existing and manifesting in a single person.

Causes

There is no exact cause identified for Scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndrome, however, the abnormal functioning of the immune system leading to its attack on connective tissue leads to this syndrome. This syndrome can develop in individuals of any age however the peak age has seen is 20-55 years. SPOS usually involves an overproduction of the collagen leading to its accumulation in the arteries causing hardening and thickening over there.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of both Scleroderma and Polymyositis are seen in the patient. This is the reason it is called overlap syndrome. Some of the common symptoms seen in such patients are:

• Discoloration of the skin
• Raynaud’s phenomenon- Red and swollen fingers that are cold to touch. It is caused due to spasm of blood vessels over that area (hands and feet) due to stress or cold temperature
• Multiple painful joints
• Inflammation of the joints
• Scarring of skin
• Inflammation of skin especially the area which is exposed to the sun
• The weakness of muscles due to inflammation
• Swelling of hands
• Fatigue

DIAGNOSIS

SPOS can be diagnosed by detailed patient history, clinical evaluation, and certain diagnostic tests. Skin tests and blood tests can help in confirming the diagnosis after finding the characteristic features in a patient. Many specialized tests can also be done as per the organ affected to confirm the diagnosis or severity of the disease.

Treatment

No exact cure or particular treatment is available for Scleroderma-Polymyositis Syndrome. Treatment of this disease is done symptomatically. Immunosuppressive drugs are given in a conservative line of treatment to suppress the action of the immune system. Some collagen regulating drugs are also given to the patient. Both these things can prove to be harmful and adverse for health when taken for a long time.

However Ayurveda, on the other hand, can help you treat the condition naturally and safely. In Ayurveda, diseases are treated by herbs that have certain medicinal properties to manage this condition. The purity and natural origin of these medicines make this system of medicine safe even if used for the long term.

Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal pharmaceutical company that deals with the herbal medicines used to treat various complex and difficult to treat diseases. All the herbal medicines and supplements produced here are prepared from the finest quality of herbs and do not contain any type of chemicals, additives, preservatives, dye, or fillers. These medicines are purely herbal, natural and vegetarian which make them safe and efficacious to be used. All the medicines are produced under the strict supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors and as per the ancient Ayurvedic methods. For Scleroderma-Polymyositis Overlapping syndrome also Planet Ayurveda offers a certain combination of herbs that help in managing the condition naturally.

1. Ashwagandha capsule

These are the single herb capsules prepared from the standardized extract of Withania Somnifera. This powerful herb is full of amazing therapeutic properties which make it a choice of remedy in treating various diseases. Ashwagandha capsules give strength and support to the body, both mentally and physically. These herbal capsules give strength to muscles, help in treating troubled movements and also helps in managing psychiatric complaints as well.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Boswellia curcumin

Boswellia curcumin capsules are prepared from standardized extracts of Sallaki and active compounds of Haridra (turmeric), i.e. curcumin. These polyherbal capsules help in treating inflammation and pain in muscles and joints, enhance immunity, and provide relief from pain.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

This herbal churna consists of various herbs like- Ashwagandha, Haridra, South, etc. This churna have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties that give relief from pain and swelling.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Gandhak rasayan

These wonderfully effective tablets are prepared from Shudhh Gandhak (Sulphur—purified). These medicinal tablets possess amazing therapeutic properties like antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory. Due to its anti-tumor activities, Gandhak rasayan tablets do not allow the excessive build-up of tissue and helps in treating and preventing extra build and production of collagen.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Nirgundi oil

This oil is prepared from the extract of a pure herb called Vitex Negundo. This amazing herb has many medicinal properties that are very helpful to fight inflammation and provide relief in skin allergies and infections. It helps to provide relief to the condition because of its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic qualities that reduce pain and soften the skin.

Direction- External application of oil by dabbing on the affected area 2-3 times a day.

CONCLUSION

Scleroderma-Polymyositis Overlapping Syndrome is a complex disease that is a mixture of two connective tissue diseases that make it more difficult to treat. However, proper herbal medications can help in managing the condition naturally without posing any further damage to the body.