FAQs about connective tissue diseases, our approaches to care at the dermatologist’s office
As a dermatologist, Dr. Vanessa Johnson is uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat, and manage more than 3,000 conditions of the hair, skin, and nails. These conditions include a group of diseases that have to do with the body’s connective tissues. And connective tissue disorders themselves span more than 200 different types. So, it is absolutely essential to trust a specialty provider with keen knowledge and capabilities to make an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions. Only then can our team at ShadeTree Dermatology of Cocoa Beach – Rockledge, Florida, develop a treatment plan that really works to restore and sustain your skin, health, and well-being.
What are connective tissues?
True to their name, your body is held together by tissues that connect all of these structures together. So, these diseases involve damage or anomalies to these tissues, which are largely made up of collagen and elastin. The former protein is present in the skin and bone, blood vessels, tendons, and other body parts. The latter protein is a vital part of the skin and ligaments. When inflammation strikes, the resulting damage can not only affect the tissues themselves but also the structures and body parts connected to them.
What are some of the more common connective tissue diseases?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that inflames the membranes around the joints and can damage organs such as the heart and lungs. Another autoimmune disorder, scleroderma, is associated with the build-up of scar tissue in the skin, digestive tract, blood vessels, and other areas. Lupus’s damage may be widespread, resulting in inflammation of the connective tissues of every organ—from the skin to the brain.
What are the symptoms?
The answer to this question depends on the specific disease. Different conditions affect different body parts. Relevant to our specialty area, early skin-related symptoms can include persistent itching and puffiness. There may also be areas of the skin that look lighter or darker than the surrounding tissue. Redness or telangiectasia may arise. Certain connective tissue diseases also tend to be associated with specific skin changes; for instance, those with lupus may develop characteristic facial rashes, whereas a scleroderma diagnosis may be accompanied by abnormalities in the thickness and hardness of the skin.
How do you treat these disorders?
Treatments vary significantly since there are so many types of connective tissue disorders. Our providers may prescribe medications, supplements, or in-house therapies to relieve the symptoms associated with these diseases. Additionally, it is important to note that these disorders require a multi-disciplinary approach. Our team at ShadeTree Dermatology works in tandem with other members of your care team, such as your family physician and other specialists, to improve your symptoms and support your best health. Just as these conditions are multi-dimensional, so are the treatments to manage them.
If you are concerned about any changes to your skin, schedule a consultation today by calling our offices in Cocoa Beach and Rockledge, FL, at (321) 200-0346.
