Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen. Progressive systemic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis, the generalised type of the disease, can be fatal. The localised type of the disease tends not to be fatal. The term 'localised, generalised sclerderma' can be used to describe cases where the disease covers a large area of the body - typically more than 40%.

Therapy

There is no cure for scleroderma, though there is treatment for some of the symptoms, including drugs that soften the skin and reduce inflammation. Some patients may benefit from exposure to heat.

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A range of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be used to ease symptoms. Naproxen for example. If there is oesophageal dysmotility (in CREST or systemic sclerosis), care must be taken with NSAIDs as they are gastric irritants.

Related Topics:
NSAID - Naproxen

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Immunosuppressent drugs, such as mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept®) are sometimes used to slow the progress.

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Digital ulcerations can be helped by prostacyclin (iloprost) infusion. Iloprost being a drug which increases blood flow by relaxing the arterial wall.

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