How Is Scleroderma Treated?
Currently, there is no treatment that controls or stops the underlying problem--the overproduction of collagen--in all forms of scleroderma. Thus, treatment and management focus on relieving symptoms and limiting damage.
Your treatment will depend on the particular problems you are having. Some treatments will be prescribed or given by your physician. Others are things you can do on your own. Different people experience different problems with scleroderma and not all treatments work equally well for all people. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your specific symptoms.
Because scleroderma can affect many different organs and organ systems, you may have several different doctors involved in your care. Typically, care will be managed byYour rheumatologist may refer you to other specialists, depending on the specific problems you are having: for example
In addition to doctors, professionals like nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical or occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers may play a role in your care.
Dentists, orthodontists, and even speech therapists can treat oral complications that arise from thickening of tissues in and around the mouth and on the face.
Treatment of Systemic Scleroderma Problems
Below are various medical and nonmedical treatment options for some potential problems that can occur in systemic scleroderma. Note: This is not a complete listing of problems or their treatments.
Raynaud's Phenomenon:
Raynaud's phenomenon is one of the most common problems associated with scleroderma. More than 70 percent of people with scleroderma first notice this problem when their fingers turn cold or blue, typically in response to cold temperatures or emotional distress.
Raynaud's phenomenon may precede scleroderma by years. In many people, however, Raynaud's phenomenon is unrelated to scleroderma, but may signal damage to the blood vessels supplying the hands arising from such conditions as occupational injuries (from using jackhammers, for example), trauma, excessive smoking, circulatory problems, and drug use or exposure to toxic substances.
For some people, cold fingers (and toes) are the extent of the problem and are little more than a nuisance.
For others, the condition can worsen and lead to puffy fingers, finger ulcers, and other complications that require aggressive treatment.
Take the: Raynaud's Phenomenon Screening Quiz
Raynaud's phenomenon can be uncomfortable and can lead to painful skin ulcers on the fingertips. The following measures may make you more comfortable and help prevent problems:
If Raynaud's leads to skin sores or ulcers, increasing your dose of calcium channel blockers (under the direction of your doctor ONLY) may help. You can also protect skin ulcers from further injury or infection by applying nitroglycerine paste or antibiotic cream. Severe ulcerations on the fingertips can be treated with bioengineered skin.
Stiff, painful joints:
In diffuse systemic sclerosis, hand joints can stiffen because of hardened skin around the joints or inflammation of the joints themselves. Other joints can also become stiff and swollen. The following may help
Dry mouth and dental problems:
Dental problems are common in people with scleroderma for a number of reasons:
