Managing symptoms

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Skin symptoms

Skin symptoms are a big part of scleroderma and can affect the way you look or feel about yourself. Learn what others have found to relieve their symptoms.

2 min read

There are many things that you can do to help manage your skin symptoms. Find the most popular recommendations below:

Use creams or ointments every day to help with dry, tight or itchy skin. They’ll keep your skin well moisturised.¹
Wear rubber gloves when you wash up to protect the skin on your hands.²
Avoid using strong soaps because these can irritate your skin.²
Try simple exercises that help keep the movement around your joints. Your doctor or nurse may be able to show you how to do these.¹

QUICK TIP

Soaking your hands or feet in warm paraffin wax baths can help to soften the skin.^1,3

Ask your doctor or nurse

Ask about any physiotherapy available to help keep your joints moving.¹

If you have telangiectasia (small red spots caused by scleroderma) and are worried about how they look, you may be able to conceal them.

To show you how to do simple exercises that help keep the movement around your joints.¹

For help choosing the right creams or ointments for you.

You may also like to read:

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.

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Monitoring scleroderma

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

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Treatment

Symptoms of scleroderma can be managed using many different treatments. Your doctor will be able to help you.

Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK. Skin. Available: https://www.sruk.co.uk/scleroderma/scleroderma-and-your-body/skin/ [Accessed December 2021].
Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK. Treatments. Available: https://www.sruk.co.uk/scleroderma/managing-scleroderma/treatments/ [Accessed December 2021].
Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK. Wax bath therapy. Available: https://www.sruk.co.uk/scleroderma/scleroderma-and-your-body/wax-bath-therapy/ [Accessed December 2021].

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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