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What is the Treatment for Scleroderma?

Discover effective Scleroderma treatments, from skin medications to stem cell transplants. Explore lifestyle changes for better health. Understand the complexities, complications, and the importance of health insurance in managing this incurable autoimmune disease.

  • 25 Jan 2024
  • 3 min read
  • 161 views

Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that more often affects women. It commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. This disease causes chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma treatment can help, but the condition is not curable and requires lifetime treatment. 

The condition  requires a medical diagnosis, and the symptoms include 

  • Skin tightening 
  • Joint pain
  • Exaggerated response to cold (Raynaud's disease)
  • Heartburn

Treatment of Scleroderma

It is an autoimmune condition wherein your immune system starts attacking your body instead of protecting it. Experts don't know for sure what causes scleroderma. Some studies have found that it can run in families (biological parents can pass it on to their children), but this is rare enough; hence, there's no definite proof it's a genetic disorder.

There's no remedy for scleroderma, yet your medical specialist will assist you with a mix of therapies that deal with side effects and limit the degree to which they influence your daily schedule.

The medicines you require depend on where you encounter side effects and how extreme they are.

 Some regular scleroderma medicines include:

  • Skin medication: Your doctor may prescribe creams and lotions to keep your skin from drying.
  • Immunosuppressants: They prevent your immune system from harming healthy cells and tissues.
  • Medicines to manage specific symptoms: For instance, you could require treatment to control your blood pressure, work on your breathing, oversee kidney dysfunction, or reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Physical therapy: A physiotherapist will assist you with further developing how your body moves.
  • Light treatment (phototherapy): Light treatment utilises UV light to treat skin conditions. It can assist with treating thickened skin.
  • Stem cell transplants: Certain individuals with extreme side effects could require stem cell transplants. A stem cell transplant replaces damaged cells with healthy donor cells.

While dealing with scleroderma, certain lifestyle changes can be adopted to sustain your health, such as

  • Following an eating regimen and exercise plan that is good for you
  • Staying away from serious work when you are not feeling your usual self
  • Safeguarding your skin with the proper attire for your current circumstance and wearing excellent sunscreen when you're outside
  • Visiting a dentist regularly for regular cleaning and examination

Also read:

Conclusion

Scleroderma complications may vary from mild to severe and affect body organs, including the fingers, lungs, kidneys, heart, teeth, digestive system, and joints. Also, it may lead to other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. As there is no cure for this disease, scleroderma treatment focuses on easing the symptoms, slowing progression, and improving quality of life. Moreover, health insurance will come in handy to ease the financial burden of treatment. 

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