PACIFIC ARTHRITIS SCLERODERMA CENTER
Learn MoreDaniel E. Furst MD, MACR
Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology
Scleroderma Is A
Treatable Disease
Daniel E. Furst is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California (emeritus), Los Angeles Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology. He is also Adjunct professor at the University of Washington, Seattle Washington and Research Professor at the University of Florence, Florence, Italy. Dr. Furst is internationally known for his expertise in the research of Scleroderma and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dr. Furst has specialized in study medications that treat rheumatic diseases.
He is the Vice President of the Friends of World Scleroderma Foundation, founder of WSF, the Vice President of the Scleroderma Foundation Southern California Chapter. He is on the editorial review board of numerous clinical pharmacology and rheumatic disease journals.
Dr. Furst has written over 900 peer reviewed original articles/reviews/chapters and written or edited 20 books on rheumatic diseases. He has a patient volume of over 1500-2000 and cares for 300-500 patients with systemic diffused scleroderma and limited substance of scleroderma. He lectures and teaches internationally as well as in the US. Dr. Furst’s areas of research include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Scleroderma (Ssc) and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. He has been honored as an outstanding doctor by the Scleroderma Foundation and is a Master of the ACR
(2nd edition)
Systemic Sclerosis
Systemic Sclerosis is a comprehensive standard reference on sclerosis written by well-known experts in the field. The book presents a concise overview of the causes of scleroderma, as well as the latest information on the development and diagnosis of the disease.
(2nd edition)
The Scleroderma Book: A Guide for Patients and Families
The Scleroderma Book has long been considered the leading source of information for patients suffering with this disease. Now comes the Second Edition of this highly respected volume, extensively revised by Maureen Mayes, M.D., the leading authority in this field. Writing specifically for patients and their families, Dr. Mayes draws on her extensive experience treating scleroderma to provide up-to-date, practical information that will help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The First Year: Scleroderma: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Scleroderma–a chronic autoimmune condition that causes hardening, thickening, or tightening of the skin and attacks the heart, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract–is extraordinarily difficult to diagnose and can take a huge toll on the psychological well-being of the individual. From the first moment of her diagnosis, author Karen Gottesman took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition.
(2nd edition)
Systemic Sclerosis
Systemic Sclerosis is a comprehensive standard reference on sclerosis written by well-known experts in the field. The book presents a concise overview of the causes of scleroderma, as well as the latest information on the development and diagnosis of the disease.
(2nd edition)
The Scleroderma Book: A Guide for Patients and Families
The Scleroderma Book has long been considered the leading source of information for patients suffering with this disease. Now comes the Second Edition of this highly respected volume, extensively revised by Maureen Mayes, M.D.
The First Year: Scleroderma: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
Scleroderma–a chronic autoimmune condition that causes hardening, thickening, or tightening of the skin and attacks the heart, lungs, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract–is extraordinarily difficult to diagnose and can take a huge toll on the psychological well-being of the individual.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
SYSTEMIC LUPUS
An inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues.
GOUT
A form of arthritis characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.
POLYMYOSITIS
Polymyositis is a type of muscle disease called an inflammatory myopathy. It inflames your muscles and their related tissues, like the blood vessels that supply them.
What Is Scleroderma?
Chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that more often affects women. It commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Symptoms include tightening of the skin, joint pain, exaggerated response to cold (Raynaud’s disease), and heartburn. Treatments include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
What were your first symptoms of Scleroderma?
- Thickening and swelling of the fingers.
- Pale fingers that may become numb and tingle when exposed to cold or stress, known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Joint pain.
- Taut, shiny, darker skin on large areas, which can cause problems with movement.
Can I live a normal life with Scleroderma?
Many people with scleroderma lead a normal, or near normal life, although most have to be careful to avoid cold environments.
What are the two types of Scleroderma?
There are two main categories of scleroderma: Localized and Systemic.
Localized scleroderma: often affects only the skin and not major organs.
Systemic scleroderma: affects the skin and may affect the tissues under it, including blood vessels and major organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs or kidneys. Systemic sclerosis is referred to as Scleroderma.