Scleroderma treatments

When you are diagnosed with scleroderma, your consultant or specialist should explain all the treatment options available. The medication that they recommend will depend upon the type of scleroderma that you have.

In some cases, the skin problems associated with scleroderma may fade away on their own within three-to-five years, although scleroderma affecting the internal organs usually worsens with time. If you are diagnosed with scleroderma, it is important to know how to look after yourself and the various therapies and medical treatments that are available, as these can reduce the impact of the disease and slow its progression.

Therapies

Physical or occupational therapists can help you to:

• Manage pain
• Improve your strength and mobility
• Maintain independence with daily tasks

Treatments

The medical treatment and management of scleroderma can have a number of elements, depending on the type of scleroderma that you are diagnosed with, your symptoms and the ways that these impact upon your life.

Surgery

For some people, surgical options for the effects of scleroderma complications may be possible, and your specialist may discuss these with you. Surgery is usually considered as a last resort.