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 Managing symptoms

The symptoms of scleroderma can affect your quality of life, but there are many things that can be done to manage them. Here you can find advice on how to cope with different symptoms and what you can do yourself to help.

1 min read

Your doctor or nurse will also be able to help you. They have the knowledge and experience to address any questions you have (or at least point you in the right direction for answers), so don’t be afraid to ask.

Learn more about symptom management

Adjusting to your challenges

Whatever your challenges, you can find ways to adjust and work around them. It’s worth the effort to find things that work for you, so you don’t have to miss out on the things that matter to you.

The facts:

Facts 40%
of people with scleroderma will develop ulcers or open sores.
Facts 9 out of 10
people with scleroderma develop digestive system symptoms.
Facts 25%
of people with scleroderma will develop hard lumps.

Tips to manage your symptoms

Make Healthy Food
Make healthy food choices

The energy and nutrients that make your body work well come from your food and drink, and a balanced healthy diet.

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Stay active

There is scientific evidence that being active can help you lead a healthier and happier life.2

Manage stress
Manage stress

More and more evidence suggests that being mindful not only reduces stress and anxiety, but builds resilience.3

cigarette slash
Stop smoking

A study showed that people with scleroderma who stopped smoking had improvements in some of their symptoms, such as Raynaud's phenomenon.4

You may also like to read:

Find out more
adjusting to your diagnosis

Adjusting to your diagnosis

Having a diagnosis of scleroderma can feel overwhelming. Here you can find advice on coping with your diagnosis.
Learn more
hero-i_have_scleroderma

Monitoring scleroderma

Symptoms of scleroderma may change over time. Learn how regular monitoring can help keep the disease in check.

  1. Allanore Y, et al. Systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2015; 1:1–21.

  2. De Oliviera N et al. Aerobic and resistance exercise in systemic sclerosis: State of the art. Musculoskeletal Care 2017; doi: 10.1002/msc.1185.

  3. Cavanagh K et al. Can mindfulness and acceptance be learnt by self-help? A systematic review and meta-analysis of mindfulness and acceptance-based self-help interventions. Clin Psychol Rev. 2014;34(2):118-29.

  4. Hudson M et al. Cigarette smoking in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheum 2011;63(1):230-8.

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"First of all, don't panic. Everyone is different. I have not met one patient who has the same symptoms." 

– Maria