Scleroderma or Systemic Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that leads to hardening and tightening of skin and can also affect internal organs, specially lungs. 

 

Scleroderma is suspected if one or more of these symptoms are present 

• Tightening or hardening of skin (specially fingers)

• Fingers turning white or blue in cold 

• Difficulty in opening the mouth wide 

• Difficulty in swallowing food 

• Chalky white discharge from skin wounds 

• Dry cough or breathlessness 

 

Why treat Scleroderma early?

• Scleroderma can cause severe disease of lung, heart and kidneys, which requires specific treatment 

• With proper treatment disease can be controlled and organ damage prevented 

 

Which doctor to consult for Scleroderma treatment?

A Rheumatologist is the best specialist for management of Scleroderma. As scleroderma affects various organ systems and requires long term treatment with immunosuppression, a Rheumatologist id the most qualified person to monitor and treat the effects of this disease in various organ systems. 

 

How is Scleroderma treated?

Depending on disease severity, treatment of scleroderma involves use of methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide injections and rituximab injections. Apart from this, Scleroderma patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly, and consult immediately if there is a rise in BP. Your rheumatologist will determine the treatment plan unique to your disease manifestations and also discuss the long-term monitoring and management with you.