How is scleroderma treated?
ANSWER
There’s no treatment for scleroderma, but you can manage the symptoms with:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or aspirin to ease swelling and pain.
- Steroids and other drugs to control your immune response. These can help with muscle, joint, or internal organ problems.
- Drugs that boost blood flow to your fingers
- Blood pressure medication
- Drugs that open blood vessels in the lungs or prevent tissue from scarring
- Heartburn medication
You can try:
- Exercise for better health
- Skin treatment, including light and laser therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Stress management
- If severe organ damage happens, organ transplantation
Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner on March 6, 2020
SOURCES:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Scleroderma: Etiology, Goldman: Cecil Medicine, 24th ed.
SOURCES:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Scleroderma: Etiology, Goldman: Cecil Medicine, 24th ed.
From: Scleroderma
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