Pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Overview
A group of inherited, progressive connective tissue disorders affecting the skin, eyes and cardiovascular system. The condition is characterized by calcium deposits in the connective tissue which affects its ability to function. Some cases remain undiagnosed to the mildness of symptoms.
Symptoms
* Skin plaques * Small skin bumps * Reddish-purple skin bumps * Reddish-purple skin plaques * Yellow skin bumps * Yellow skin plaques * White skin bumps * White skin plaques * Thickened skin * Inelastic skin * Drooping skin folds * Retinal angioid streaks * Retinal hemorrhage * Vision loss * Blood vessel changes * Peripheral blood vessel obstruction * Heart blood vessel obstruction * Obstruction of brain arteries * Blood vessel obstruction
Prognosis
Prognosis of Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: normally a slowly progressing condition
Treatment
Unfortunately, the ailment has no specific remedies. Nevertheless, the doctors stress on minimizing the problems by treating the symptoms. Some people apply make ups to camouflage skin discoloration and some others prefer undergoing cosmetic treatments. Since the disease affects the heart and blood circulation system, the patients are advised to refrain from smoking. The diet of the patients also needs to be monitored. They should take foods that are low in fat. Ideally lots of vegetables and fruits should be consumed by such people. The patients in this disease should always keep a check on their weight. The dieticians recommend the patients of Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) to take calcium supplements within the limits of 800 mg per day. For treating the damaged retinas of some patients, laser eye surgery can be performed. Other symptoms like the cardiovascular diseases are treated as per the clinical rules. The patients of this disorder should take medicines like aspirin that aggravates the chances of bleeding. Genetic counseling may be used to detect the chances of the disease in the babies of affected people.