Scleroderma

What are the best treatments for Scleroderma?

See the best treatments for Scleroderma here

Treatments for Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissues, causing hardening and tightening of the skin and other organs. While there is no cure for scleroderma, various treatments can help manage its symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the condition. The treatment approach for scleroderma typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and therapies.

1. Medications

Medications play a crucial role in managing the symptoms and complications associated with scleroderma. The specific medications prescribed may vary depending on the individual's symptoms and the organs affected. Some commonly used medications include:

Immunosuppressants: These drugs help suppress the overactive immune system and reduce inflammation. They are often prescribed to control skin and lung problems in scleroderma.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility.

Calcium channel blockers: These medications are used to manage Raynaud's phenomenon, a common symptom of scleroderma characterized by cold fingers and toes due to narrowed blood vessels.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are prescribed to manage acid reflux and heartburn, which are common gastrointestinal symptoms in scleroderma.

Topical treatments: Various creams and ointments can be used to soften and moisturize the skin, reducing the tightness and discomfort associated with scleroderma.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve the overall well-being of individuals with scleroderma. These modifications may include:

Protecting the skin: Avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing can help protect the skin from damage and minimize symptoms.

Regular exercise: Engaging in gentle exercises and stretching can help maintain joint flexibility, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Quitting smoking: Smoking can worsen the symptoms of scleroderma, particularly Raynaud's phenomenon. Quitting smoking is essential to improve blood flow and overall lung health.

Healthy diet: Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and provide essential nutrients.

Stress management: Stress can exacerbate scleroderma symptoms. Engaging in relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or pursuing hobbies can help manage stress levels.

3. Therapies

Various therapies can be beneficial in managing specific symptoms and complications associated with scleroderma. These therapies may include:

Physical therapy: Physical therapists can provide exercises and techniques to improve joint mobility, manage pain, and prevent muscle weakness.

Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can assist in finding ways to perform daily activities with reduced hand function and recommend adaptive devices to improve independence.

Speech therapy: Speech therapists can help individuals with scleroderma who experience difficulty swallowing or speech problems.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help individuals with scleroderma-related lung problems improve lung function, manage breathlessness, and enhance overall respiratory health.

Psychological counseling: Living with a chronic condition like scleroderma can be emotionally challenging. Seeking support from a mental health professional can help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, and other psychological aspects.

It is important for individuals with scleroderma to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan. Regular follow-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are essential to monitor the disease progression, manage symptoms effectively, and adjust treatment strategies as needed.

by Diseasemaps

Cytoxan chemo treatment. Methotrexate chemo treatment. Cellcept medication Prednisone steroid treatments I also did IVIG treatments once a month for a year

3/21/17 by Peggy L 550

Right now there is no such treatment as doctors are still researching, but I would say positive attitude towards life and herbal medicine is pretty good.

4/1/17 by Fashah 1150

Don't stress keep warm get enough rest love and support from family

4/1/17 by Milda 1000

There are currently no generally accepted systemic treatments that alter the overall course of this disease. Some symptomatic treatments can be helpful for symptoms such as Raynaud's or heartburn, but with the exception of the use of ACE inhibitors to treat scleroderma renal crisis, there have been no clear advances in scleroderma treatments over the past 40 years, according to recent research. Autologous stem cell transplants (HSCT) are being studied and may be helpful for patients with rapidly progressing disease, but at best, this treatment has about a 5% mortality rate.

4/3/17 by Choclit 1150

I’m on cellcept go about three years now and it sees to be working well for my skin

3/30/18 by Amy 2600

Keep warm even if it means wearing mittens in the 'refrigerated sections' of the grocery store! Get adequate rest and sleep to help combat stress. Keep a good eye out for any areas on your extremities (fingertips, nose, ears, toes and feet) that are exposed to cold weather! Exercise when you feel healthy and stay flexible.

11/21/18 by Juanita 1900

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For me, the simpactetomia bilateral chest helped me a lot with the raynaud's.

2/24/17 by . Translated

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we do not have specific drugs, have shown utility, methotrexate, rituximab, bosentan, prednisone, calcium channel blockers, sidelnafil, bronchodilators, oxygen therapy

2/27/17 by cecilia miranda. Translated

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In principle, the disease has no treatment, there is symptomatic, Bosentan, immunosuppressants, channel blockers calcium...etc., each of which will a few drugs well and others do not.

3/21/17 by Amparo. Translated

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Which includes medication for pain, heartburn and reflux, that is to say, colchicine, methotrexate, loxonin, profenid bi and maalox

3/23/17 by ana h. Translated

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There is not a treatment in specific, it all depends on the patient and the physician or the institution where you are dealing with. It is recommended to take a diet where you exclude the fat, flour, spicy, that is to say, food which do not alter the gastritis caused by medications.

4/28/17 by Alma Olivia. Translated

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Methotrexate, folic acid and creams to the affected area

5/11/17 by Tatiana. Translated

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There is a treatment to help, there is no cure, however doctors are inclined to prescribe chemical light and immunosuppressive drugs to treat attack the immune system, after this there are a series of additional medication to counteract the discomfort or decrease caused by the main treatment

5/15/17 by Lucero. Translated

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Scleroderma has no cure, what happens is the delay in the progression of the disease. Vasodilators Imunosupressores Vitamins Corticosteroids Chemotherapy...

9/30/17 by Carol. Translated

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