Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

CREST syndrome

Raynaud's phenomenon

Sclerodactyly

Telangiectasia

CREST syndrome; Progressive systemic sclerosis; Scleroderma

Medicines that treat inflammation and pain include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroids. Other treatments are directed at specific manifestations of systemic sclerosis: for example, antacids or intestinal motility drugs for heartburn and related symptoms, medications that increase blood flow for Raynaud's phenomenon, and blood pressure medications (particularly ACE inhibitors) for high blood pressure or kidney problems.

Treatment usually includes a combination of physical therapy and skin and joint protection techniques (for example, avoiding cold in the case of Raynaud's phenomenon).

See scleroderma - support group.

In the majority of those affected, the disease is progressive. In some, remission occurs with a slow progression. People who only have skin involvement have a better prognosis (probable outcome). Death may occur from gastrointestinal, cardiac, kidney, or pulmonary (lung) involvement.

• Cardiac failure
• Renal failure
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder are present, or if you have scleroderma and symptoms become worse, or if new symptoms develop.

Review Date: 04/20/2005
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.