Scleroderma - Treatment for Skin Thickening

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Highlights	Prognosis	Treatment for Lung Complications
Introduction	Treatment	Treatment for Gastrointestinal Problems
Risk Factors	Medications	Resources
Symptoms and Complications	Other Treatments	References
Causes	Treatment for Raynaud's Phenomenon	References
Diagnosis	Treatment for Skin Thickening

Corticosteroids taken by mouth, such as prednisolone and prednisone, are also often used.

Treatment for Other Complications

Pilocarpine (Salagen) has been approved for treating dry mouth in people with scleroderma and Sjogren syndrome. In one study, patients with Sjogren syndrome experienced increased salivation after the first dose. Patients reported improvement in speaking, sleeping, and swallowing food without drinking. Side effects of this drug include sweating, increased need to urinate, chills, and flushing.

Surgical Treatments for Problems of the Hands

Other Surgeries. Disabling deformity of the hand is a common feature of scleroderma. Various surgical procedures can relieve pain, prevent tissue loss, protect hand function, and improve the appearance of the hands.

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Review Date: 01/04/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).