Diagnosis

Because scleroderma can take so many forms and affect so many different areas of the body, it can be difficult to diagnose.

After a thorough physical exam, your healthcare professional may suggest blood tests to check for elevated levels of certain antibodies made by the immune system.

Your healthcare professional also may suggest other blood tests, imaging or organ function tests. These tests may help determine whether your digestive system, heart, lungs or kidneys are affected.

Treatment

There is no treatment that can cure or stop the overproduction of collagen that happens in scleroderma. But a variety of treatments can help control symptoms and prevent complications.

Medicines

Because scleroderma can affect so many different parts of the body, the choice of medicine varies depending on the symptoms. Examples include medicines that:

  • Dilate blood vessels. Blood pressure medicines that dilate blood vessels may help treat Raynaud's phenomenon.
  • Suppress the immune system. Medicines that suppress the immune system, such as those taken after organ transplants, may help reduce progression of some scleroderma symptoms, such as the thickening of the skin or worsening of lung damage.
  • Reduce digestive symptoms. Pills to reduce stomach acid can help relieve heartburn. Antibiotics and medicines that help move food through the intestines may help reduce bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
  • Prevent infections. Recommended vaccinations are important to protect people with scleroderma from infectious diseases. Talk with your healthcare professional about vaccines for influenza, pneumonia, shingles, HPV, COVID-19 and RSV.
  • Relieve pain. If pain relievers available without a prescription don't help enough, your healthcare professional might suggest prescription medicines to control pain.

Therapies

Physical or occupational therapists can help you improve your strength and mobility and maintain independence with daily tasks. Hand therapy may help prevent hand stiffness, also called contractures.

Surgical and other procedures

Stem cell transplants might be an option for people who have serious symptoms that haven't responded to more-common treatments. If the lungs or kidneys have been badly damaged, organ transplants might be considered.

Lifestyle and home remedies

You can take a number of steps to help manage your symptoms of scleroderma:

  • Stay active. Exercise keeps your body flexible, improves circulation and eases stiffness. Range-of-motion exercises can help keep your skin and joints flexible. This is always very important, especially early in the disease course.
  • Protect your skin. Take good care of dry or stiff skin by using lotion and sunscreen regularly. Avoid hot baths and showers and exposure to strong soaps and household chemicals, which can irritate and further dry out your skin.
  • Don't smoke. Nicotine causes blood vessels to contract, making Raynaud's phenomenon worse. Smoking also can cause permanent narrowing of the blood vessels and cause or worsen lung problems. Quitting smoking can be difficult. Ask your healthcare professional for help.
  • Manage heartburn. Avoid foods that give you heartburn or gas. Also avoid late-night meals. Elevate the head of your bed to keep stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus as you sleep. Antacids may help relieve symptoms.
  • Protect yourself from the cold. Wear warm mittens for protection anytime your hands are exposed to cold — even when you reach into a freezer. It also is important to keep your core body temperature warm to help prevent Raynaud's phenomenon. When you're outside in the cold, wear warm boots, cover your face and head, and wear layers of warm clothing.

Coping and support

As is true with other chronic diseases, living with scleroderma can cause you to feel anxious or worried. Here are some ideas to help you even out your feelings:

  • Maintain your typical daily activities as best you can.
  • Pace yourself and be sure to get the rest that you need.
  • Stay connected with friends and family.
  • Continue to pursue hobbies that you enjoy and are able to do.

Keep in mind that your physical health can have a direct impact on your mental health. People with chronic illnesses can feel denial, anger and frustration.

At times, you may need additional tools to deal with your emotions. Mental health professionals, such as therapists or behavior psychologists, may be able to help you put things in perspective. They also can help you develop coping skills, including relaxation techniques.

Joining a support group, where you can share experiences and feelings with other people, is often a good approach. Ask your healthcare team what support groups are available in your community.

Preparing for your appointment

You'll probably first bring your symptoms to the attention of your family healthcare professional. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bone. This type of doctor is called a rheumatologist. Because scleroderma can affect many organ systems, you may need to see a variety of medical specialists.

What you can do

Time with your healthcare professionals may be brief. To make the best use of the limited time, plan ahead and write lists of important information, including:

  • Detailed descriptions of all your symptoms.
  • A list of all your medicines and supplements, including the dosages.
  • Questions for the healthcare professional, such as what tests or treatments you may need.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional may ask some of the following questions:

  • Do your fingers change colors when you get cold?
  • Do you regularly experience heartburn or swallowing problems?
  • Have you noticed any skin tightening or skin thickening?
By Mayo Clinic Staff