Although it most often affects the skin, scleroderma also can affect many other parts of the body. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Sulfasalazine, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquinine will help slow the progression of scleroderma. Vitamin As is true with other chronic diseases, living with scleroderma can place you on a roller coaster of emotions. Here are some suggestions to help you even out the ups and downs: Maintain normal daily activities as best you can. Pace yourself and be sure to get the rest that you need. Stay connected with friends and family. For example, Raynauds Phenomenon may be treated with drugs such as calcium channel blockers or drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors which open up narrowed blood vessels and improve circulation. Dont take OTC meds that contain pseudoephedrine, because it can trigger Raynauds symptoms. Accessed Sept. 22, 2021. Although no one is sure why this particular reaction takes place, the immune system is at the root of it. To all the people who are tired of not reaching there fitness goals. I have recommended that all of my patients remove gluten from their diets because it causes inflammation which leads to leaky gut. However, if youve been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder called scleroderma, the state of your skin is a constant concern. Thanks to him I finally have the body I deserve. Again, this is particularly important for those with scleroderma whose digestive system tissues are damaged. Yan, X.N., et al., [Efficacy observation on acupuncture and moxibustion combined with hot compress of TCM herbs for scleroderma], Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion 2013; 33(5): 403-406. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Zelman, M., et al., Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach (Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc., 2015), 21-22, 30-31. Do your fingers change colors when you get cold? People with scleroderma often develop serious forms of high blood pressure or hypertension that affect the lungs or kidneys. Scleroderma. Lung transplant is a viable option for both severe (drug refractory) interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. https://www.scleroderma.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=patients_coping#.YUtmAflKjmY. Wear loose-fitting boots or shoes to keep the blood supply moving to your feet. Scleroderma Some H2 blockers also cause headaches. Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic In addition to the thickening of skin, the following other symptoms may occur in a person with scleroderma: In addition to these symptoms, 2 other conditionsRaynaud's phenomenon and Sjgren's syndromealso affect patients with scleroderma. Conventional medicine offers no real solutions, relying instead on harsh medications to mask your symptoms. Approximately 250 persons per million American adults are affected by scleroderma. The purpose of this study is to determine if taking oral bovine type I collagen (CI) will improve the Perform gentle stretches to keep skin and joints flexible. Jasons health, personal training knowledge, and nutritional advice changed my life and i lost 60lb in 18 weeks. Possible side effects: Increased risk of infections such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, reduced platelet counts, elevated liver enzymes, allergic reactions to IV infusions like chills or fever (rare), increased cholesterol levels, bowel perforations (rare). I train with Jason to keep up my fitness model body. Goldman L, et al., eds. Time with your doctors may be brief. WebAside from eating healthy foods to get the proper amounts of vitamins and nutrients, it is important to eat foods that do not aggravate existing stomach problems. Possible side effects: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, liver enzyme elevation, decreased appetite, headache, weight loss, hypertension (high blood pressure) and infections, including pneumonia. I finally feel like the women Ive always knew I could be. Streaks or bands of thick, hard skin on the arms, legs, or torso are called linear scleroderma. Because scleroderma can affect many organ systems, you may need to see a variety of medical specialists. 8816 Cullen Ln, Austin, TX 78748, 2016-2023 AMMD, LLC (AmyMyersMD.com). | Advertising on our site helps support our mission. MY name is Jason Fiorini i have been among one of the top personal trainers in the financial district in NYC for 10 years. To ease the discomfort of scleroderma: All these actions will help you feel better. To help manage systemic scleroderma, consult your doctor for the proper vitamin D dosage. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Return Gurantee & Shipping Info | Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Treatments & Medications - National Scleroderma Foundation Possible side effects: Diarrhea that usually improves over time, low blood cell counts, infections. In a 2014 study published in the journal Archives of Dermatological Research, further data supported the use of topical vitamin D to treat thick and hardened skin associated with scleroderma. As blood begins to flow again the area turns red and sufferers typically feel a painful, burning sensation. They will also test you for tuberculosis, a serious lung infection. To ease the discomfort of scleroderma: 1. Its very tricky because the condition mimics other disorders and there is no single test for it. Research subjects who took the supplements reported more weight loss than subjects who took placebos. They can also help you develop coping skills, including relaxation techniques. Blood pressure medications open constricted blood vessels. In a 2011 study published in the journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, researchers discovered that curcumin could suppress the excess fibrous connective tissue associated with scleroderma. Subscribe and receive a weekly email with important information about scleroderma and the National Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105 You may also find that skipping dairy products, which are inflammatory foods for many people, goes a long way toward improving your health. Mayo Clinic. WebLichen sclerosus is a rare skin disease that causes itchy and painful patches of thin, white, wrinkled-looking skin. Not only can it affect the skin, but it also can affect many internal organs, hindering digestive and respiratory functions, and causing kidney failure. Gotu kola, also known by its plant name Centella asiatica, is a perennial plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Many people with scleroderma already have constipation, so these pain medications can worsen it. Its an IL-6 inhibitor, meaning it targets and blocks an inflammatory protein or cytokine called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Diagnosis Rub the cream on the skin of your fingers, and then slip on some gloves to keep your hands warm and help your skin absorb the topical cream. 4. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to suggest other medications for colds or congestion. Ways to do this include: For those patients with scleroderma who also have Sjgren's syndrome, proper dental care is essential. Other medications treat systemic disease, or scleroderma that affects not just your skin, but your organs and connective tissues in your body. Pace yourself and be sure to get the rest that you need. Accessed Sept. 22, 2021. If youve tested positive for the RNA polymerase-3 antibody, steroids could cause scleroderma renal crisis, so you may need to avoid steroids. Muscle Strength Website: bionews.com Get wellness tips, exclusive offers, and more recipes directly to your inbox regularly! MORE:10frequently asked questions about scleroderma. Learning methods to control anxieties and fears. Accessed Sept. 22, 2021. Hi, Im Benny from Manhattan,NY. Vitamin Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. Your treatment plan is designed just for your disease and individual symptoms. Avoid pregnancy while taking mycophenolate, or let your doctor know if you think you may be pregnant. WebVitamin E supplementation has resulted in improvement in the skin of scleroderma patients, although nondermatological aspects of scleroderma did not improve. All I can say is go train with Jason! Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Hand therapy may help prevent hand contractures. This is critical for anyone who has been exposed to toxic chemicals, particularly silica, which has been linked to a higher incidence of systemic scleroderma.9 I also recommend my ImmunIGwhich offers concentrated immunoglobulins to support immune functions. Talk with your rheumatologist about this risk, how to protect yourself from infections while taking an immunosuppressant, and what to do if you think you have an infection. Only 10% of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon will develop scleroderma. I have always dreamed of becoming a fitness icon. Tocilizumab is taken as either a subcutaneous injection you give yourself at home, or as an infusion (IV) at a clinic. You'll probably first bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor, who may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bone (rheumatologist). Treatment. Im Carlos Sanchezo from Fort Brooklyn, NY. Systemic medications target your immune system to treat skin fibrosis, the scarring of your skin. Considering taking supplements to treat scleroderma? Below is a list of common natural remedies used to treat or reduce the symptoms of scleroderma. Follow the links to read common uses, side effects, dosage details and user reviews for the vitamins and supplements listed below. Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has had cancer. There are several things you can do to tame the toxins that are all around us. It helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. All rights reserved. With Jasons help I finally dropped 47lbs and fast. People with scleroderma often have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux. I heard about Jason s personal training from a friend at and was eager to give him a try.I was impressed with his knowledge of the body and nutrition.After completing a 7 week program that entertained functional muscle movements and strict nutritional guidelines I was able to achieve the ultimate results. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? 1.1. It can happen in both limited and systemic scleroderma. Vitamin D is considered as a treatment option for scleroderma, food rich in vitamin D such as fish, eggs, fortified milk and cod liver oil should be included in the diet. Keep your fingers, hands, feet and toes warm, especially during winter or if youre in a cold indoor space. Eating Well With Scleroderma - National Scleroderma Foundation Other animal studies indicate that curcumin may be able to suppress the spread of the excessive lung fibrous connective tissues. I also offer two supplements that can help. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PED-5) inhibitors are medications that can be used to treat more severe Raynauds phenomenon symptoms, such as ulcerations on the fingers. Proton pump inhibitors are available both over the counter and by prescription. Second, the outer layer of the skin usually has fatty substances that moisten the skin. Genes (The disease is very rare with children.) I began working with Jason as a New Years resolution and by May I lost 56 lbs.Thanks to Jasons amazing nutritional strategies, innovative exercise programs and cardiovascular routines I was able to achieve the body I always wanted. I trained for hours and days on end without the results I was looking for.After training with Jason for just 16 weeks I can finally say Ive reached a life time goal. 3. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home Skin Care Alternative Treatments for Scleroderma. In Raynauds Phenomenon, spasms in the arteries cause periods of reduced blood flow, usually in the fingers and sometimes in the toes, nose, lips, or ears. Scleroderma Usategul, A., et al., Topical vitamin D analogue calcipotriol reduces skin fibrosis in experimental scleroderma, Archives of Dermatological Research 2014; 306(8): 757-761. 3 W Garden St 4. To help manage systemic scleroderma, consult your doctor for the proper vitamin D dosage. Ive always wanted to be in shape and could never escape the pressure to look my best. Suite 700 Both can help you boost your intake of stress-busting nutrients for a natural path to relaxation and stress relief that will take the pressure off your immune system. Taking proper precautions and care of your skin can be beneficial not only for symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon, but also in taking care of the dry, thick patches of skin that result from localized scleroderma. There are many ways to accomplish this, including: During the colder months, be sure to dress appropriately. Try getting more sunlight and consume foods rich in vitamin D, such as The diagnosis of scleroderma is not always easy. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Hello, Im Lewis. Scleroderma is actually a collection of several autoimmune diseases that are characterized by hardened patches of skin and connective tissue. Scleroderma, University of Maryland Medical Center web site; http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/scleroderma, last accessed June 16, 2015. Fitness modeling has always been my life time dream. Systemic scleroderma can be broken down into two main types: diffuse and limited. Exploring The Benefits And Risks Of Flaxseed For Scleroderma Scleroderma Have you noticed any skin tightening or skin thickening? Medications can help you manage pain, but they may have other side effects that could be serious. WebWhat is scleroderma? Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): Losartan or valsartan, Possible side effects: Dizziness, elevated potassium in your blood, swelling (edema). Nintedanib is a pill you take twice a day. WebSystemic scleroderma is a serious condition, while localized scleroderma carries a good prognosis and normal lifespan. In doing so, he or she will be looking for any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially thickening or hardening of the skin around the fingers and toes or discoloration of the skin. Email: [emailprotected] Because scleroderma can have many symptoms, a combination of approaches is often needed to treat and manage the disease effectively. Scleroderma is a chronic, although rare, autoimmune disease in which normal tissue is replaced with dense, thick fibrous tissue. Furthermore, the World Scleroderma Foundation reports that scleroderma affects 2.5 million people around the globe. Scleroderma may also have a genetic link in some people. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Heart Palpitations at Night: Common Causes and How to Treat, Essential Oils for Cough, Cold and Congestion, Sudden High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Tips, Sore Throat on One Side: 7 Causes and Treatments, Natural Remedies for the Burning Sensation in Your Stomach After Eating, Hibiscus Tea: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects, and Recipes, Vegetable Oil Substitutes: 5 Healthy Alternatives for Baking, Frying, and More, How to Treat Nausea After Eating Eggs or Chicken, Diarrhea after Eating: Causes and Natural Treatments, Top 11 Homeopathic Remedies for High Blood Pressure, Heavy Breathing: Common Causes and Treatments, Pineapple Juice for Cough: Effective Homemade Cough Remedies, Pain in the Left Temple of the Head: 10 Causes and Treatments. I accomplished my goals with his in home personal training and nutrition guide.His program was fun and interesting! It is also an effective pain reliever and complements the supplement bromelain. After discussing your personal family medical history, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination. Most cases do not show any family history of the disease. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Turmeric contains the well-known anti-inflammatory phytonutrient curcuminthis can help decrease inflammation in the body. Systemic scleroderma mostly strikes Caucasians in their 30s or 40s, and affects four times as many women as men.6 Systemic scleroderma is characterized by the same thick skin patches as linear scleroderma along with other symptoms, the most common of which is Raynauds Phenomenon. I trust Jason with my career. How to Reverse Scleroderma Naturally | Amy Myers MD In a 2009 study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, researchers treated 27 systemic scleroderma patients with topical vitamin E gel. Its well known that vitamin D helps to keep bones and teeth strong, but now we know that muscle strength can also be affected by this nutrient. Women are approximately three times more likely to get scleroderma than men. However, primary Raynaud's phenomenon is common and often occurs by itself without any underlying connective tissue disorder. The exact cause of scleroderma is unknown; however, doctors believe that abnormal immune system activity will lead to inflammation and the overproduction of collagen. His professional attitude and knowledgeable fitness advice were like nothing I had ever seen. Supplementing with magnesium may help reduce certain symptoms of brain fog. To further complicate treatment, many with this condition are depressed by the changes in their appearance. I found Jason after several failures with other personal trainers. Its called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Steroids, also called glucocorticoids or corticosteroids, are stronger medications to treat flare-ups of inflammation that cause pain or joint swelling. Scleroderma is four times more common in women than it is in men. As a personal trainer I would easily say he is this best. Try him! Early symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Possible side effects: Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, hair thinning, infections. Find ways to manage stress. You may need a biopsy to rule out cancer. The genetic component doesnt actually cause the disease. Taking a vitamin D supplement while pregnant could help to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia for the mom, and rickets in the child. Methotrexate is taken by mouth as a pill. Scleroderma Specific vitamin/mineral deficiencies: Blood tests to assess serum hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, zinc, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B-12. If you notice blood in your urine while taking cyclophosphamide, let your doctor know immediately. So, you may have swelling in your lower extremities, like your feet or ankles.