What Is Sclerosis?

Sclerosis is a condition that is characterized by either the hardening of tissue or the depositing of excess tissue. Several types of sclerosis may affect the body.

Muliple Sclerosis

• Multiple sclerosis is a serious condition that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the sheath that covers the nerves. Over time the nerves can become severely damage, resulting in trouble with speaking and walking.

Systematic sclerosis

• Systematic sclerosis may also be referred to as scleroderma. Scleroderma is characterized by the hardening of skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma may affect the skin only or it may also affect the internal organs.

Tuberous sclerosis

• Tuberous sclerosis is generally rare and causes benign tumors to develop on the skin, brain and kidneys. Tuberous sclerosis in an unpredictable disease which can either be especially mild or very severe.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may also be referred to Lou Gehrig's disease. This condition is a neurological disease that results in severe muscle weakness. Eventually the muscles needed for breathing will be affected, resulting in death.

Lichen sclerosis

• Lichen sclerosis is also a rare disorder. It causes the skin to develop white patches and also causes the skin to thin. Lichen sclerosis is most prevalent in older women and children.

Arteriosclerosis

• Arteriosclerois may also be referred to hardening of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis often occurs as the result of high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Arteriosclerosis may eventually lead to heart disease and heart attack.