The patches of hardened skin can be lighter or darker than your natural skin color. Some people develop violet-colored skin, which means that the scleroderma is active and expanding. This patient has darker and lighter (white) areas that are hard to the touch.
Thereof, do Antihistamines help scleroderma?
There are various over-the-counter creams that can help fight itching. Taking non-drowsy antihistamines may also help. Some scleroderma patients have found temporary relief in ultra-violet light therapy, which consists of an eight-week course of treatment at a dermatologist’s office or the hospital.
Similarly one may ask, does exercise help scleroderma?
Regular exercise is especially important for people with scleroderma because it helps manage common symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, and stress.
Does scleroderma affect face?
Nearly everyone who has scleroderma experiences a hardening and tightening of the skin. The first parts of the body to be affected are usually the fingers, hands, feet and face. In some people, the skin thickening can also involve the forearms, upper arms, chest, abdomen, lower legs and thighs.
Does Vitamin D Help scleroderma?
Around 80 percent of scleroderma patients have a vitamin D deficiency. Taking a supplement could help with many of the symptoms associated with the disease.
How do you stop scleroderma progression?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Stay active. Exercise keeps your body flexible, improves circulation and relieves stiffness. …
- Protect your skin. Take good care of dry or stiff skin by using lotion and sunscreen regularly. …
- Don’t smoke. …
- Manage heartburn. …
- Protect yourself from the cold.
How do you treat scleroderma skin?
Scleroderma makes your skin delicate. Treat it carefully by washing gently and religiously applying calming moisturizers. Use a moisturizing cream after your skin gets wet, whether that’s just washing your hands or taking a shower. If you’re a fan of baths, invest in some bath oil.
How long does a scleroderma flare last?
Without treatment, itching from inflammation normally occurs in the first 6 months to 2 years of the disease and then gets better as the inflammation disappears. However, when the skin is thickened and damaged it may have the problem of itching for many years.
Is sun good for scleroderma?
Scleroderma: Although certain types of UV light are used as a treatment to lessen skin thickening, some scleroderma patients are photosensitive and develop rashes or sunburns quickly. UV light can also worsen the hyperpigmentation (darkening) of scleroderma skin.
What does a scleroderma flare feel like?
Your fingertips may change colour (usually white to blue/purple, then to red), get very cold and sometimes hurt or feel numb. They may also develop red, swollen areas which are painful to touch (sometimes called chilblains)11 often in cold weather or when you are stressed.
What foods should be avoided with scleroderma?
REFLUX/HEARTBURN: eat small frequent meals to avoid overfilling your stomach; avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime; avoid foods that may aggravate symptoms such as citrus fruits, tomato products, greasy fried foods, coffee, garlic, onions, peppermint, gas-producing foods (such as raw peppers, beans, broccoli, raw …
What is a scleroderma flare up?
Personally, my flare-ups generally begin with a sudden increase in pain. It usually begins in my fingers and wrists and progresses to my elbows, shoulders, ankles, and feet. And then the pain increases rapidly over a few hours.
What is the best lotion for scleroderma?
Some individuals with scleroderma use raw coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize. Itchy skin is a common symptom that can be somewhat relieved by taking care of the skin. CeraVe lotion has been a lifesaver, as it keeps the moisture locked in my skin all day and doesn’t leave behind a greasy film.
What vitamins are good for scleroderma?
Your doctor may recommend taking a multivitamin daily that has the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. These supplements may help reduce some symptoms: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 to 2 capsules or 1 to 3 tbsp.