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What is Collagen Vascular Disease?

Brandon May
Brandon May

Collagen is a fibrous protein which acts as a glue to help keep the shape and structure of connective tissue, tendons, and bones. When the immune system malfunctions and changes homeostasis within the collagen, a condition known as collagen vascular disease can occur and result in a number of different symptoms and ailments. These can include rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, and scleroderma, as well as other autoimmune disorders that can affect the skin and joints. Common symptoms may include anemia and joint inflammation, and it is most often treated with anti-inflammatory medications to help ease symptoms and physical therapy to help regain the strength and integrity of the skin and underlying organs.

Systemic autoimmune disease is a synonym for collagen vascular disease and is caused by the disruption of a normal immune system, which later results in inflammation and abnormalities occurring to the skin, joints and tendons. An example of a condition caused by this disease includes rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Early treatment can often delay joint destruction, and this treatment usually involves physical therapy, some medications and perhaps surgery. As with all autoimmune diseases, using methods of strengthening the immune system, such as exercise and avoiding foods with sugar and refined carbohydrates, may provide relief, especially if used early.

Treating collage vascular disease typically involves taking a mixture of various drugs.
Treating collage vascular disease typically involves taking a mixture of various drugs.

Scleroderma is another example of an autoimmune disease that falls under the term of collagen vascular disease, as it directly results in changes in skin texture. The main symptom of scleroderma is the hardening and thickening of the skin, caused by the disruption and ultimately degeneration of the collagen in the skin. Physical therapy may help delay skin thickening as well as teach individuals how to protect their skin in times of cold. Light treatments and even surgery may help ease symptoms of this disease, but no cure has been found.

The treatment regimen for a patient with collagen vascular disease may include physical therapy as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
The treatment regimen for a patient with collagen vascular disease may include physical therapy as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dermatomyositis results in inflammation of the skin, leading to skin with rashes and itching symptoms. Systemic lupus erythematosus is another collagen vascular disease which affects the immune system and can also impart a mild to severe rash on the skin. Other symptoms involve sensitivity to sunlight and fatigue, and some severe cases may lead to death if left untreated. As with all immune disorders, these conditions may be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines indefinitely to help ease symptoms, but not cure the actual illness.

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    • Treating collage vascular disease typically involves taking a mixture of various drugs.
      By: Vera Kuttelvaserova
      Treating collage vascular disease typically involves taking a mixture of various drugs.
    • The treatment regimen for a patient with collagen vascular disease may include physical therapy as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
      By: Ambrophoto
      The treatment regimen for a patient with collagen vascular disease may include physical therapy as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
    • Scleroderma is a collagen vascular disease characterized by the hardening and thickening of the skin.
      By: Laurin Rinder
      Scleroderma is a collagen vascular disease characterized by the hardening and thickening of the skin.
    • Collagen vascular disease may be the cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
      By: rob3000
      Collagen vascular disease may be the cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Injectable drugs may be used to soothe joint pain caused by collagen vascular disease.
      By: Andrei Tsalko
      Injectable drugs may be used to soothe joint pain caused by collagen vascular disease.