National Scleroderma Awareness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Scleroderma Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Scleroderma Awareness Month is celebrated on June 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Scleroderma Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you need know about National Scleroderma Awareness Month.

📅 What day is National Scleroderma Awareness Month 2024?

In 2024, National Scleroderma Awareness Month is on Thursday, June 1st. It is the 1st Thursday in June; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the cool details and facts about June 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year in June, people come together to recognize and raise awareness for Scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissues. This condition is characterized by an excessive production of collagen, leading to the hardening and thickening of both the skin and internal organs. Unfortunately, the cause of scleroderma remains unknown, and there is currently no known cure or treatment. Diagnosis can be challenging as the symptoms overlap with those of other disorders. Scleroderma can be categorized into two types: diffuse scleroderma, which affects the skin and internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs, and limited scleroderma, which is less likely to harm internal organs and causes less severe skin hardening.

📜 National Scleroderma Awareness Month History

In the late 19th century, doctors recognized the systemic symptoms of scleroderma. Dr. Thomas Addison was the first to discuss different forms of scleroderma in 1854, including morphea which affects the skin but not internal organs. Systemic scleroderma, on the other hand, affects internal organs, blood vessels, and the skin. In 1863, Dr. Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud identified Raynaud’s syndrome, which causes discomfort, numbness, and discoloration in the fingers and toes by restricting blood supply. The discovery of Raynaud’s syndrome inspired the inclusion of the letter R in CREST syndrome, a type of scleroderma. It is now known that about 90% of people with scleroderma also have Raynaud’s syndrome.

Since 1998, the National Scleroderma Foundation (NSF) has been dedicated to educating the public about this rare autoimmune disease. National Scleroderma Awareness Month, supported by the NSF and other scleroderma organizations, aims to raise awareness and promote discussions about the condition. This month-long campaign focuses on public awareness, research, fundraising, support groups, and advocacy.

✅ National Scleroderma Awareness Month Facts

🔖 It is not contagious
Although scleroderma affects the skin and internal organs, it is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

🔖 The symptoms may vary
Symptoms of scleroderma can vary in severity, ranging from mild to potentially fatal, and individuals affected by this condition may encounter a wide range of symptoms.

🔖 It affects mostly women
80% of individuals diagnosed with scleroderma are women.

👍 Why Is National Scleroderma Awareness Month Important

It makes no difference whether you have scleroderma yourself or have loved ones who do. We get together as a community during National Scleroderma Awareness Month. This makes everyone participating feel as if they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

Scleroderma sufferers frequently feel terrified, bewildered, and alone because there is no recognized cause or cure. They may seek assistance and knowledge during National Scleroderma Awareness Month. They can better control their illnesses and take consolation in knowing that they are not alone in their suffering.

Every year in June, more individuals become aware of scleroderma. They are also educated on the most recent study results and treatment strategies. This results in increased support, advocacy, and financing for the cause.

🙂 How To Observe National Scleroderma Awareness Month

⚡ Donate some money

⚡ Take the pledge
In National Scleroderma Awareness Month, you can show your support by making a pledge. Each commitment made helps raise awareness about the condition and brings more people on board. This, in turn, leads to increased funding for the charity and ensures that more research on scleroderma is conducted.

⚡ Become an advocate
Donations assist in supporting patient education sessions and illness research. They also help assist groups all around the country.

📅 When is National Scleroderma Awareness Month?

Discover all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Scleroderma Awareness Month. So be sure to check back soon.