11 Home Remedies For Scleroderma And Prevention Tips

Scleroderma is a rare disease that affects the skin and connective tissues in your body. Commonly seen in women between 30 to 50 years of age, scleroderma affects 75,000 to 1,00,000 individuals in the US. While there are several types of scleroderma, scleroderma affects the skin the most. This disorder develops when your body overproduces collagen, a protein that keeps your connective tissues and bones together. Scleroderma may leave you with tight and thick skin and may also damage other organs in your body. While there is no cure for this condition, your doctor may recommend treatment options that will help keep the symptoms under control. In this article, we delve deeper into the symptoms, causes of scleroderma, and the treatment options available. Keep reading to know more!

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma refers to a range of autoimmune disorders that causes your skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten.

It is a chronic disease that tends to get worse as it progresses. Being an autoimmune disease, one of the markers of scleroderma is the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, of which anti-topoisomerase antibodies, anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies, and anti-centromere antibodies are the most prominent ones, leading to immunological issues (1) .

Scleroderma is also referred to as crest syndrome and systemic sclerosis. It is considered to be a rheumatic disease.

Did You Know?

Localized Scleroderma affects mostly women, with an incidence of 3 cases per 1,00,000 people/year (1).

Scleroderma is mainly classified into two types:

• Localized scleroderma
• Systemic scleroderma

Listed below are the scleroderma types along with the symptoms that surface with each type.

Symptoms And Types Of Scleroderma‎

• Localized Scleroderma

Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin, although it may also impact your muscles and bones.

It is the mildest form of scleroderma and does not affect the internal organs. It is further divided into two types – morphea and linear scleroderma.

The symptoms of morphea scleroderma include light or dark patches on your skin that are oval-shaped.

Those with linear scleroderma may develop bands or streaks of hardened skin on the limbs. It usually affects the bones and muscles, causing joint pain.

• Systemic Scleroderma

Systemic scleroderma affects the entire body, including your blood and internal organs like your kidneys, esophagus, lungs, and heart. It is associated with fibrosis in multiple organs. Its two main types are limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome (CREST) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. They are also known as limited scleroderma and diffuse scleroderma. Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome (CREST) is the least severe type of the disease. It usually affects the skin on your hands, face, feet, and lower arms and legs. It is also termed CREST syndrome because its symptoms form the acronym, CREST, which stands for:

C – Calcinosis (formation of calcium deposits in tissues and under the skin)

R – Raynaud’s disease

E – Esophageal diseases like GERD

S – Sclerodactyly (formation of thick skin on the fingers)

T – Telangiectasia (enlargement of blood vessels that manifests as red spots)

Diffuse systemic sclerosis is characterized by the thickening of the skin of your hands up to your wrists. This can also affect your internal organs. Affected individuals often experience symptoms of weakness, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

Overall, the symptoms of scleroderma include:

• Stiffness, tightness, and puffiness of your fingers and hands due to emotional stress or sensitivity to cold
• Swelling in the feet
• Calcium deposition
• Narrowing of blood vessels in the hands and feet (Raynaud’s disease), which may cause digital ulcers.
• Problems with the esophagus
• Thickening of the skin on the fingers
• Formation of red spots on the face and hands

You may also face issues like skin inflammation under this condition. However, it is crucial to note that there could be various causes behind this issue. Hence, be sure about scleroderma to further proceed with its treatment.

A study conducted on 1021 patients found that 7.6% had progressive skin fibrosis with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Also, more than 10% had a higher risk of experiencing a decline in lung function and dying from any cause compared to those without progressive skin fibrosis.

The exact cause of this condition is yet to be determined. But, since it is an autoimmune disease, problems with the functioning of your immune system could be the main cause. Other factors that can cause scleroderma or increase its risk are listed below.

Causes And Risk Factors

One of the main causes of scleroderma is believed to be the overproduction of collagen – a protein that forms the building block of connective tissues. This may lead to the thickening and subsequent scarring of the affected tissues.

Another factor that could be responsible for the development of scleroderma is genes. However, this isn’t confirmed yet.

A family history of autoimmune diseases is often traced in individuals with scleroderma, making it another factor that could be contributing to the development of the condition.

Other factors that can increase your risk of getting scleroderma are:

• Age – Those between 30 and 50 years of age are more likely to develop scleroderma.
• Gender – This disease is more common in women.
• Medical conditions like diabetes increase your risk of developing scleroderma.
• Exposure to environmental factors like silica dust and certain chemicals like vinyl chloride.
• Medications like carbidopa and bleomycin also increase your risk.

Quick Tip

Scleroderma may cause functional disabilities mainly in hands and oral openings, which may alter the intake of foods.

Scleroderma may also cause certain complications. Learn more about them below.

Complications Associated With Scleroderma

Scleroderma may lead to various complications like (2):

• Skin Issues: Thickening and tightening of the skin that often leads to limited mobility, ulcers, and difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Persistent spasms in small blood vessels, particularly in the fingers and toes, causing reduced blood flow, pain, and color changes.
• Digestive Problems: Esophageal dysfunction, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing due to fibrosis in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Lung Issues: Pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and breathing difficulties due to lung tissue scarring.
• Kidney Complications: High blood pressure, kidney damage, and renal crisis may lead to kidney failure.
• Heart Issues: Inflammation of the heart lining that may lead to pericarditis and an increased risk of heart disease.
• Joint And Muscle Pain: Joint inflammation and muscle weakness, reducing overall mobility and causing discomfort.

Scleroderma is quite difficult to diagnose as it surfaces gradually and in different forms. Hence, your doctor may carry out the following tests to diagnose it.

Diagnosis

Your physician may carry out a physical examination along with some other tests to diagnose scleroderma. Such tests include:

• Observing the skin under a microscope to look for any changes
• Biopsy
• Blood tests to assess the levels of different antibodies in it

Your doctor may also look for signs of skin thickening, shortness of breath, GERD, and calcium deposition before diagnosing your condition.

Once you have been positively diagnosed with scleroderma, your doctor may suggest any of the treatments listed below.

Treatment Methods

Medical treatments for scleroderma include:

• Blood pressure medications to dilate your blood vessels and help treat Raynaud’s phenomenon or disease that surfaces from scleroderma
• Immunosuppressants to suppress your immune system activities
• Physical therapy to manage symptoms of pain and improve your mobility and strength
• Laser surgery and/or ultraviolet light therapy to improve the appearance and condition of your skin

Researchers are on the lookout for more treatments to treat scleroderma.

Victoria Pendragon, a lifestyle blogger with a history of scleroderma, discusses the stigma surrounding her condition, her personal experiences, and its impact on her life in a post. She says, “Scleroderma is, to this day, a slow and painful death sentence. There is no known cure, though there have been clinical trials; I was part of one… but I was the only person that had been cured by the very complex procedure (extra corporal photopheresis). Only my hands remain as they were (i).”

Here are some natural alternatives to manage this condition.

How To Manage Scleroderma Naturally

1. Vitamin D
2. Essential Oils
3. Gotu Kola
4. Turmeric
5. Onion
6. Lemon
7. Gram Flour
8. Fish Oil
9. Ginger
10. Cottage Cheese

Home Remedies To Manage Scleroderma Symptoms

1. Vitamin D

You Will Need

Vitamin D

What You Have To Do

1. You can either consume foods rich in vitamin D like fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolk or take supplements for it.
2. Consult a doctor before taking supplements.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this on a daily basis.

Why This Works

Vitamin D exhibits immunomodulatoryⁱ  A property in a substance that boosts the immune system for a better response to an infection or disease in the body. , antifibroticⁱ  A property of a substance that prevents the excess formation of fibrosis (accumulation of fibrous tissues) in the body. , and cardioprotective effects and is a great way to manage the symptoms of scleroderma. Most sclerodermic individuals are also deficient in vitamin D, thus signifying the need for its supplementation (3).

2. Essential Oils

a. Peppermint Oil

You Will Need

• 6 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any other carrier oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add six drops of peppermint oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil.
2. Mix well and apply it to the affected area.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Peppermint oil has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed and swollen skin due to the presence of menthol. It can also help alleviate symptoms of pain (4).

b. Lavender Oil

You Will Need

• 6 drops of lavender oil
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (or any other carrier oil)

What You Have To Do

1. Add six drops of lavender oil to a teaspoon of any carrier oil.
2. Mix well and apply it to the affected skin.
3. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes or preferably overnight.
4. Rinse it off.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

With its anti-inflammatory and analgesicⁱ  A class of drugs that help relieve pain from a wide variety of diseases, ranging from headaches to pain associated with scleroderma. effects, it is no surprise that lavender oil works wonderfully in treating the pain and inflammation that surface with scleroderma (5). It also relieves stress (6).

3. Gotu Kola

You Will Need

• ½ teaspoon of dried gotu kola
• 1 glass of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Add half a teaspoon of dried gotu kola to a cup of hot water.
2. Steep for 5 to 7 minutes and strain.
3. Drink the hot tea.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink Gotu kola tea 1 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a medicinal herb that is known to stabilize the connective tissues and promote the health of your blood vessels. It is also capable of alleviating symptoms of inflammation and stress (7).

4. Turmeric

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 glass of hot milk or water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot milk or water.
2. Mix well.
3. Drink the solution.
4. You can also apply a paste made of turmeric and water to the affected skin and leave it on for a few minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

Why This Works

Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin. Supplementation with curcumin was observed to suppress the fibrotic process leading to the overproduction of collagen and the development of scleroderma (8), (9).

5. Onion

You Will Need

A small onion

What You Have To Do

1. Cut a small onion into half.
2. Rub half of the onion on the affected area gently.
3. Allow the onion extract to work on the skin for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

Why This Works

Onions are rich in compounds like thiosulfinates and cepaene that exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. This helps in alleviating the symptoms of inflammation and swelling (10).

6. Lemon

You Will Need

• 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of honey

What You Have To Do

1. Extract the juice from a lemon.
2. Mix it with a teaspoon of honey.
3. Apply the mixture to the affected skin.
4. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with water.

How Often You Should Do This

You must do this once daily.

Why This Works

The topical application of lemon juice helps to soften the thickened skin and reduces the inflammation and swelling (11).

7. Gram Flour

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of gram flour
• Water (as required)

What You Have To Do

1. Add a little water to two teaspoons of gram flour to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste evenly to the affected area and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.
3. Wash it off with water.
4. You can also use this mixture as a natural replacement for soap.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this to your skin at least once daily.

Why This Works

Gram flour can help smoothen rough and thickened skin. It also helps your skin regain its lost texture.

8. Fish Oil (Omega 3)

You Will Need

250-500 mg of fish oil or omega-3

What You Have To Do

1. Consume 250 to 500 mg of fish oil daily.
2. You can consume fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel.
3. Alternatively, you can take fish oil supplements.

How Often You Should Do This

Incorporate fish oil into your daily diet.

Why This Works

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and swelling in your body. Ingestion of fish oil can also prevent Raynaud’s disease, which is one of the characteristics of scleroderma (12).

9. Ginger

You Will Need

• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 cup of hot water

What You Have To Do

1. Add 1 to 2 inches of ginger to a cup of hot water.
2. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain.
3. Drink the hot tea.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink ginger tea 2 to 3 times daily.

Why This Works

Ginger has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit pain-producing prostaglandins in your body, thus helping you manage the symptoms of scleroderma (13).

10. Cottage Cheese (Paneer)

You Will Need

2 servings of cottage cheese

What You Have To Do

1. Add cottage cheese to salads or your favorite dishes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can consume cottage cheese once daily.

Why This Works

Cottage cheese is a rich source of sulfur and helps in the easier absorption of oil as well as other nutrients into your cells. This increases your energy levels and helps you deal with scleroderma better.

Other than these remedies, another natural way to manage the symptoms of scleroderma is to alter your diet. The following is a diet specially created for those struggling with scleroderma.

Scleroderma Diet

In general, those suffering from scleroderma are advised to eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours.

Consume more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like the following.

Foods To Eat

• Basil
• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Cinnamon
• Paprika
• Ginger
• Cayenne
• Turmeric

You should try and restrict the foods listed below from your diet.

Foods To Avoid

• Free sugars
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

If you experience symptoms of GERD, avoid foods like:

• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Greasy foods
• Garlic
• Onions
• Spicy food
• Carbonated beverages

If you are looking for other ways to manage your symptoms, the following tips might help.

Tips To Manage Scleroderma

• Have smaller and frequent meals.
• Avoid eating a couple of hours before bedtime.
• Keep your skin well moisturized.
• Avoid injuring your fingers.
• Keep warm to avoid circulatory issues.
• Indulge in exercises that can alleviate stiffness.
• Quit smoking.
• Avoid using recreational drugs.
• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Practice yoga to manage your anxiety and stress levels.
• Avoid processed or junk foods.
• Avoid taking herbs like echinacea that are known to boost the activities of your immune system.

Scleroderma demands multiple changes in overall lifestyle, and it can get overwhelmingly challenging at times. Dolores Pfeuffer-Scherer, another lifestyle blogger with scleroderma shares, “I fight it with everything at my disposal, from prayer to exercise, to altering my lifestyle, whether it is eating, sleeping, or exercising to maintain my mobility and practicing mindfulness to make my days a little bit easier. Living with and managing a chronic illness takes a lot of time, energy, thought, planning, and more patience than I often have inside me (ii).”

Infographic: 5 Natural Ways To Manage Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that hardens and tightens your skin and mostly affects women. While medical options like physiotherapy and laser surgery are available, there are certain natural treatments that can help manage the symptoms of this disease. Scroll down and check out the infographic below to learn more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

When to visit a doctor for scleroderma?

When it comes to serious health conditions like scleroderma, it is better to consult a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms – like swelling, thickening of the fingers, etc.

Is scleroderma life-threatening?

The symptoms of scleroderma usually vary from person to person. They can be mild or even life-threatening like pulmonary hypertension, esophageal dysfunction, or renal crisis.

How long can you live with scleroderma?

Women who are affected by scleroderma have a life expectancy that is 22.4 years shorter than the general population whereas, for men, it is 26 years. Around 24.2% of the population dies within 8 years of developing the disorder.

What is the prognosis for scleroderma?

Those with scleroderma have a lower life expectancy as compared to the general population.

Does walking help scleroderma?

Yes, walking is a common form of low-impact exercise recommended for scleroderma patients. Walking increases motility, relieves nausea, and promotes digestion (14). It is advised to gradually increase your walking distance as your condition allows.

Is heat good for scleroderma?

Yes, applying heat may alleviate the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease, one of the major symptoms of systemic scleroderma (15). However, further studies are warranted.

Is massage good for scleroderma?

Yes, studies indicate that massage therapy may improve thumb and hand motility in individuals with scleroderma (16).

Is stretching good for scleroderma?

Yes, stretching daily might help delay the loss of joint mobility and improve the flexibility of muscles in individuals with scleroderma (14). However, further studies are warranted.

Does scleroderma affect the brain?

Yes, there is a possibility that scleroderma may lead to the deposition of calcium in the blood vessels of the brain. This may lead to various neurological problems (17).

Illustration: Home Remedies For Scleroderma And Prevention Tips

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr. Jyoti GuptaMD

   

Dr. Jyoti Gupta is a board-certified (IADVL) dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser, and hair transplant surgery. She has 10 years of experience, and has done over 1000 hair transplant surgeries and 3000 aesthetic procedures.

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Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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