Can we call Dupuytrens an autoimmune disease?

With a name like that, I’m pretty sure people find it confusing enough as it is. This disease has been affecting people for a long time, and the fact that not enough research has been done on the causes and how to cure it doesn’t help. Therefore, it’s better to have guidance and give you a better understanding of Dupuytrens contracture.

 

What is Dupuytrens Disease?

 

Dupuytren’s disease, also known as Vikings disease, is a medical condition that has been affecting people for a while now. However, it is not that well known and affects a small percentage of patients globally. The condition affects the hand and causes thickness and tightness of skin underneath the palm, which further leads to the development of a cord. 

This cord eventually has a significant effect on the fingers furthest away from the thumb, which pulls them back and can lock the fingers. The disease is a chronic fibrotic condition that usually affects the skin underneath the palms, which eventually leads to the formation of knots, nodules, and cords.

What is Autoimmune Disease?

A disease in which the immune system unintentionally attacks your body is an autoimmune disease. Normally, the immune system protects against germs such as bacteria and viruses.  There are more than 80 types of autoimmune disorders.

There is no exact cause of autoimmune disorders, But one theory says that some microorganisms (bacteria or viruses) or drugs may cause changes and can confuse the immune system. This may happen to individuals that have genes that make them more vulnerable to autoimmune disorders.

Is Dupuytren’s Disease an Autoimmune Disease?

Although the exact reason behind this Dupuytren’s disease is not found yet, genetic factors are commonly considered behind this medical condition which has been found in various medical researches based on this disease. 

Now you know that Dupuytren’s disease is a chronic fibrotic condition, but is Dupuytrens disease an autoimmune disease? According to scientists, the disease may be initiated by four gene mutations in a stem cell or a lymphoid stem, of which the fourth formation leads to a forbidden clone being formed of lymphocytes. 

 

Even though there is a lack of peer-reviewed evidence, it has been determined by some scientists that the forbidden lymphocytes may result in proliferating fibroblasts, which may eventually lead to Dupuytrens disease. 

 

However, we still haven’t found the root cause of Dupuytrens, and even though at times it may seem like an infection, it isn’t exactly an autoimmune infection. Yes, the immune system is involved, but it affects the connective tissues and is known as a rheumatic disease.

 

What is the Best Treatment for  Dupuytren’s Disease?

 

Dupuytren’s Contracture has a number of treatments available. Surgery is the most common type of treatment. Unfortunately, it is not guaranteed that the surgery will cure the disease and it will often come back. The procedure leaves an unsightly scar, and if the wound doesn’t heal up properly, the patient is at risk of infection.

 

If you are looking for non-surgical and home treatments for Dupuytren’s Contracture, the good news is there are several available. The best of those is the Dupuytrens wand. The Dupuytrens wand uses the latest medical technology to penetrate the skin and break up the hardened tissue in the hand without causing any side effects. The tissue being broken up allows the finger to be straightened; the patient then applies the Dupuytrens tape, which is a far better option than any splint or brace. The tape will keep the finger in a position that encourages blood circulation, which will speed up the recovery process.