🌍🌻 Today on #WorldSclerodermaDay, we shed light on the unique challenges men face with scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs, leading to serious health complications.
🔹 Prevalence: While women make up the majority of scleroderma cases, about 20-30% of scleroderma patients in Australia are men. This highlights the need for awareness and support for men living with this condition.
🔹 Diagnosis: Men are typically diagnosed between the ages of 40-50, which is later than women who often receive their diagnosis in their 30s. This later diagnosis in men can lead to delays in treatment and management of the disease.
🔹 Severity: Men often experience more severe disease progression compared to women, with greater internal organ involvement such as lung and heart issues. This increased severity can result in a more challenging disease course for men.
🔹 Subtype: Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) is more prevalent in men, characterised by widespread skin thickening and more severe complications. In contrast, women are more likely to have limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), which generally has a milder prognosis.
🔹 Support: Men with scleroderma often face a tougher battle, underlining the importance of more targeted research and support. Understanding the gender differences in scleroderma can help improve outcomes for all patients.
Massage and low-level laser therapy can complement treatment for scleroderma. Consider booking a session with MT Trent Renshaw at Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy to explore how these therapies can support your journey.
Let’s support all those affected by scleroderma, especially the men fighting this tough condition. 💪💙
#WSD2024 #WorldSclerodermaDay #SclerodermaAwareness #SclerodermaInMen #SclerodermaSupport
