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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In Face And Hands Caused By Scleroderma
Question: I would like to confir with a rheumatologist that has experience with scleroderma. I have had all the symptoms of scleroderma now for about 8 months. Did not have all the blood test done so I don't know any numbers on my condition as of yet, but I would like some expert opinions on if there is an urgency on treatment. I have the swelling and thickness in the face and the redness, swelling and hardening of the hands and up to elbows which have not progressed very much in months. I seem to have some lupus-like overlapping with the rash around my neck and some nodules of swelling in the scalp. About 3 months ago I tried to take prednisone but had a bad reaction so I decided not to take anything else. All I take is motrin for body aches and pain. If this disease is not progressing very fast is steroids for swelling or stuff like methotrexate mandatory to take? Or will it be alright to keep doing natural methods for now? Will not taking anything bring on symptoms faster?
Brief Answer:
I would like to see your ANA , ENA profile.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your posting your query on HCM.
We first need to establish, what is your exact disease. What ever history you are giving sounds like dermatomyositis also so I need to see the autoimmune profile before suggesting you anything. Also need for taking steroids or methotrexate will be decided after that. Please update me so that I can assist you better. Waiting for your reply.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
I would like to see your ANA , ENA profile.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thank you for posting your posting your query on HCM.
We first need to establish, what is your exact disease. What ever history you are giving sounds like dermatomyositis also so I need to see the autoimmune profile before suggesting you anything. Also need for taking steroids or methotrexate will be decided after that. Please update me so that I can assist you better. Waiting for your reply.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
As I stated before, I have not had blood work done yet. Cannot have blood tests done until insurance start February 1. Could you explain what Dermotomyositis is and what is the usual treatment for it?
Brief Answer:
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Its a condition that present with rash and muscle weakness .There is considerable overlap in these diseases like lupus, scleroderma , dermatomyositis etc. Anyways coming to your question steroids are beneficial in the initial phase of scleroderma not later on. Also methotrexate is added when you have swelling of joints also which you didn't mention about. We generally treat symptoms like if you have raynauds phenomenon we will give you calcium channel blockers, to prevent microaspirations we add antacids along with domperidone .
Since you cant take prednisolone so that is out of question now. Also it depends whether lungs are involved or not, if lungs are involved then we give immunosupressants like cyclophosphamide .
Dont worry its a slowly progressive disease and nothing is going to change that swiftly but still you should seek specialist care in this regard rather than relying on general practitioners . This will be good for you.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Follows.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Its a condition that present with rash and muscle weakness .There is considerable overlap in these diseases like lupus, scleroderma , dermatomyositis etc. Anyways coming to your question steroids are beneficial in the initial phase of scleroderma not later on. Also methotrexate is added when you have swelling of joints also which you didn't mention about. We generally treat symptoms like if you have raynauds phenomenon we will give you calcium channel blockers, to prevent microaspirations we add antacids along with domperidone .
Since you cant take prednisolone so that is out of question now. Also it depends whether lungs are involved or not, if lungs are involved then we give immunosupressants like cyclophosphamide .
Dont worry its a slowly progressive disease and nothing is going to change that swiftly but still you should seek specialist care in this regard rather than relying on general practitioners . This will be good for you.
Take care.
Dr. Shruti
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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