Other Treatments for Scleroderma

For Managing Dry, Stiff Skin

Skin Lotions and Emollients

You may be advised to use skin lotions to keep your skin as moist and supple as possible, and to decrease itching. Common brand names include:

KeriCream
Lanolor
Lubriderm
Eucerin
Nivea
Ultraderm
Alpha Keri Bath Oil
Amlactin
Aquaphor

In early trials UVA1 light therapy, ]]>phototherapy]]> , has been shown to be potentially useful to soften the skin in localized scleroderma. It has not been useful for finger thickening and ulceration in systemic scleroderma.

For Managing Dry Eyes

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can help lubricate dry eyes. Common brand names include:

Dry Eyes
Tears Naturale
Refresh
HypoTears

For Managing Dry Mouth

Artificial Saliva

Artificial saliva helps relieve dry mouth. Common brand names include:

Salivart
Optimoist
Saliva Substitute
Moi-Stir
Salix lozenges

For Managing Decreased Mobility Due to Stiffness of Skin and Joints

Physical Therapy

Scleroderma can interfere with your ability to move around comfortably. Stiffness of your skin and joints can greatly interfere with your ability to be active. Physical therapy may help you retain or regain mobility and ease of movement.

References:

Durand F, Staumont D, Bonnevalle A, Hachulla E, Hatron PY, Thomas P. Ultraviolet A1 phototherapy for treatment of acrosclerosis in systemic sclerosis: controlled study with half-side comparison analysis. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed . 2007 Dec;23(6):215-21.

Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. McGraw Hill; 2001.

Kreuter A, Hyun J, Stücker M, Sommer A, Altmeyer P, Gambichler T. A randomized controlled study of low-dose UVA1, medium-dose UVA1, and narrowband UVB phototherapy in the treatment of localized scleroderma. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2006 Mar;54(3):440-7.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .

Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/ .

Last reviewed August 2008 by ]]>Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.