What is scleroderma? Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue and rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in the skin and other areas of the body. This inflammation leads to patches of tight, hard skin. Scleroderma involves many systems in your body. A connective tissue disease is one that affects tissues such as skin, tendons, and cartilage. There are two major types of scleroderma: Localized scleroderma only affects the skin and the structures directly under the skin. Systemic scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, affects many systems in the body. This is the more serious type of scleroderma and can damage your blood

What is acne? Acne is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Oil and dead skin cells plug the pores, and outbreaks of lesions (often called pimples or zits) can happen. Most often, the outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders. For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties, but some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome? Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that happens when the immune system attacks the glands that make moisture in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body. The main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth, but the disorder may affect other parts of the body. Many people with Sjogren’s syndrome say they feel tired often (fatigue). They also may have joint and muscle pain. In addition, the disease can damage the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.

¿Qué es el síndrome de Sjögren? El síndrome de Sjögren es un trastorno crónico (de larga duración) que ocurre cuando el sistema inmunitario ataca las glándulas que producen humedad en los ojos, la boca y otras partes del cuerpo. Los síntomas principales son resequedad en los ojos y la boca, pero el trastorno puede afectar otras partes del cuerpo. Muchas personas con síndrome de Sjögren dicen que se sienten cansadas con frecuencia (fatiga). También pueden tener dolor en las articulaciones y en los músculos. Además, la enfermedad puede dañar los pulmones, los riñones y el sistema nervioso.

What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in the spine narrow and create pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that comes out of the base of the brain and runs down the center of the spine. The nerve roots branch out from the cord. In spinal stenosis, the narrowing usually occurs over time.

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Children and teens with scoliosis have an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve of the spine. The curve can happen on either side of the spine and in different places in the spine. With treatment, observation, and follow-up with the doctor, most children and teens with scoliosis have normal, active lives.

What is fibrous dysplasia? Fibrous dysplasia happens when abnormal fibrous (scar-like) tissue replaces healthy bone. The fibrous tissue weakens the bone over time, which can lead to: Broken bones. Bones that are misshapen (bowed or crooked). The disease can affect any bone in the body. Some people have no symptoms or only a few symptoms. Other people may have more symptoms. Although there is no cure for fibrous dysplasia, treatments may help to lessen pain, and physical therapy may help strengthen muscle and improve movement.

¿Qué es la displasia fibrosa? La displasia fibrosa ocurre cuando tejido fibroso anormal (parecido a una cicatriz) reemplaza al hueso sano. Con el tiempo, el tejido fibroso debilita el hueso, lo que puede dar origen a: huesos fracturados, huesos deformados (arqueados o torcidos). La enfermedad puede afectar a cualquier hueso del cuerpo. Algunas personas no tienen síntomas o solo presentan unos cuantos. Otras personas pueden tener más síntomas. Aunque no existe una cura para la displasia fibrosa, los tratamientos pueden ayudar a aliviar el dolor y la fisioterapia puede ayudar a fortalecer los músculos y mejorar el movimiento.