Treatment for Other Complications

Pilocarpine (Salagen) has been approved for treating dry mouth found in people with scleroderma and Sjogrens syndrome. In one study, patients with Sjogrens syndrome experienced increased salivation after the first dose. Patients reported improvement in being able to speak, sleep, and swallow food without drinking. Side effects include sweating, increased need to urinate, chills, and flushing.

Surgical Treatments for Problems of the Hands

Sympathectomy and Hand Surgeries. Sympathectomy uses procedures or medications that block the nerves responsible for narrowing blood vessels in the hand, thereby increasing blood flow.

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The local anesthetics lidocaine or bupivacaine may be very effective.

For finger ulcers that won't heal and are resistant to standard treatments, sympathectomy surgery may be performed.

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