Scleroderma

Question Question

How might scleroderma be treated?

Answer Answer

The following information may help to address your question:

What is scleroderma?
How might scleroderma be treated?

What is scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that involves changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs.^[1] There are two main types: localized scleroderma, which affects only the skin; and systemic scleroderma, which affects the blood vessels and internal organs, as well as the skin.^[2] These two main types also have different sub-types.

Localized scleroderma can be divided in:^[3]

Linear scleroderma (en coup de sabre)
Morphea (localized, generalized, guttata and deep).

Systemic scleroderma is subdivided in:^[3]^[4]

Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (which includes CREST syndrome)
Limited Systemic Sclerosis (or systemic sclerosis sine scleroderm).

There are also cases of environmentally-induced scleroderma and cases where scleroderma is part of other rheumatic disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjogren syndrome. The underlying cause of scleroderma is currently unknown; however, some scientists suspect that it may be related to a buildup of collagen in the skin and other organs due to an abnormal immune system response.^[1]^[5] There is no cure, but various treatments can relieve symptoms.^[2]

Last updated: 9/12/2016

How might scleroderma be treated?

Currently, there is not a cure for scleroderma, however treatments are available to relieve symptoms and limit damage. Treatment will vary depending on your symptoms.^[2]

The following medications may be used to treat scleroderma:^[1]

Corticosteroids
Immune suppressing medications (methotrexate, Cytoxan)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Other treatments for specific symptoms may include:^[1]^[6]^[7]

Drugs for heartburn or swallowing problems (proton pump inhibitors)
Prokinetic agents to speeding the movement of food through the stomach and intestines
Antibiotics to address malabsorption syndrome
Blood pressure medications (particularly ACE inhibitors) for high blood pressure or kidney problems
Antihistamines and skin moisturizers to relieve itching
Medicines to prevent (e.g., Bosentan) or treat (e.g., iloprost) ulcers
Medicines to improve breathing (See: Pulmonary hypertension)
Medicines to treat lung scarring (e.g., cyclophosphamide)
Medications to treat Raynaud's phenomenon (e.g., nifedipine, iloprost)

More detailed information regarding the treatment of scleroderma can be accessed through MedScape.

Last updated: 9/15/2016

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

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GARD Information Specialist

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