The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is calling on the public and healthcare professionals to take some time during June – Scleroderma Awareness Month – to learn about scleroderma and its signs and symptoms.
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune condition that affects around 19,000 people in the UK. It is a serious condition that can cause physical disability and be life-limiting, which is why recognising the signs is so important. Evidence shows early diagnosis gives people more treatment options and can help them manage their condition better, but awareness is low. People with the condition are waiting five years on average to receive a diagnosis and access treatment.
The most common symptoms are:
Sore or swollen fingers,
Raynaud’s phenomenon: a condition where the body’s extremities, most commonly the fingers and toes, change colour and become painful due to temperature changes, stress or anxiety,
Reflux or heartburn,
During Scleroderma Awareness Month, SRUK will also release survey results into scleroderma care. The charity has polled rheumatologists from across the UK – the consultants in charge of the care of people with scleroderma – to understand their level of knowledge about the condition and challenges they face in providing care.
And the charity is calling on the public to take part in its summer SRUK Walk fundraiser to raise money for scleroderma research and support. Find out more at www.sruk.co.uk/walk
SRUK is the only charity solely focused on supporting people with scleroderma and Raynaud’s in the UK and funds vital research to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for those affected.
For more information about Scleroderma and Raynaud’s please visit www.sruk.co.uk, @WeAreSRUK on Twitter, /WeAreSRUK on Facebook or call our free helpine on 0800 311 2756.
