Scleroderma
How scleroderma is treated
The aim of treatment is torelieve symptoms, prevent thecondition getting worse, detect and treat any complications (such as pulmonary hypertension ) and help you maintain the use of affected parts of the body.
Common treatments include:
- medication to improve circulation
- medicinesthat reduce the activity ofthe immune system and slow the progression of the condition
- steroid medication torelieve joint andmuscle problems
- moisturisingaffected areas ofskin to help keep it supple and relieve itchiness
- various medicines to control other symptoms (such as pain, heartburn and high blood pressure)
You will also need regular blood pressure checks and other tests to check for any problems with yourorgans.
If your symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed. For example, hard lumps under the skin may need to be removed, and tightened muscles may need to be loosened.
Newer treatments such as laser therapy and photodynamic therapy are currently being trialled (see Scleroderma clinical trials ), and may improve the outcome of thecondition for many people.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about scleroderma, including the different types, symptoms, causes and treatments.
Typesof scleroderma and typical symptoms
There are two main types of scleroderma: localised scleroderma just affects the skin systemic sclerosis may affect blood circulation and internal organs as well as the skin Localised scleroderma
Causes ofscleroderma
Normally, the body'simmune system fights off any germs that infect the body. It responds like thisto anything in the body it doesn't recognise, and settles down when the infection has been cleared. I
How scleroderma is treated
The aim of treatment is torelieve symptoms, prevent thecondition getting worse, detect and treat any complications (such as pulmonary hypertension ) and help you maintain the use of affected parts of
Living with scleroderma
There are many therapies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the impact ofscleroderma on your life. Regular physiotherapy and stretching exercises may helpkeep your muscles supple and loosen t
Information about you
If you have scleroderma, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for bett
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