Lifestyle Changes to Manage Scleroderma

General Guidelines for Managing Scleroderma

• ]]>Address Raynaud’s phenomenon.]]>
• ]]>Maintain flexibility.]]>
• ]]>Improve your skin’s health.]]>
• ]]>Decrease gastrointestinal problems.]]>
• ]]>Seek support.]]>

Address Raynaud’s Phenomenon

If you also have Raynaud’s phenomenon]]> , the following changes can help relieve Raynaud’s symptoms:

• Dress warmly.
• Wear gloves and extra socks.
• Avoid exposure to cold, including air conditioning.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking will make your symptoms worse because it causes blood vessels to become even narrower.

Maintain Flexibility

Get advice from your doctor about starting an appropriate exercise program to help you continue your daily activities. Learn facial exercises to decrease stiffness of the face and mask-like appearance. Include exercises that help you maintain the range of motion in your joints. Ask your doctor if a consultation with a physical or occupational therapist may help in creating the right program for you.

Improve Your Skin’s Health

Here’s how:

• Don’t take hot baths or showers because hot water will dry out your skin.
• Put on skin lotions frequently, especially after bathing or showering.
• Always apply sunscreen before you go outside, even on cloudy days.
• Keep the air in your home moist by using humidifiers, especially in the winter.
• Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and flexibility.
• Avoid exposure to harsh household chemicals, cleaners, and soaps.

Decrease Gastrointestinal Problems

Tips for reducing gastrointestinal symptoms include:

• Avoid spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine, all of which often irritate your stomach.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• If you have heartburn]]> at night, elevate the head of your bed.
• Don’t eat right before bedtime.
• Dental problems are common in people with scleroderma, so be sure to have regular dental checkups and to brush and floss regularly.

Seek Support

Some people with scleroderma find themselves becoming depressed and anxious. Consider finding a support group where you can meet other people who have learned to cope with the challenges of scleroderma. Sharing your own struggles and triumphs, and learning from the struggles and triumphs of others can be very helpful.