Images and some copy below reposted with thanks to @modernmothering
The 29th of June is World Scleroderma Day. Internationally we recognise this day to raise awareness about scleroderma. There is no cure for scleroderma for the 6,000 Australians who have been diagnosed.
Although Endermologie has been proven to relieve some of the symptoms associated with the condition, as seen in this study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15324386/
“Results: In all patients there was a large improvement in the clinical appearance of the lesions, the induration and the pain. Elasticity was particularly increased, not only based on clinical findings but also as documented with objective assessment. The acceptability of the treatment was good and the patients reported an improved quality of life.
Conclusion: The LPG technique (Endermologie) is an adjunctive treatment for morphea (a form of scleroderma). It cannot eliminate the disease but can relieve the pain, soften the skin and improve the quality of life for these patients.”
Scleroderma shortens life expectancy, 23 years for women and 26 for men.
Women are 7 times more likely to develop scleroderma than men.
Scleroderma reduces quality of life and ability to work. Individuals with scleroderma on average retire 15 years before their healthy population peers.