Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Antireflux precautions. Patients should:

• Avoid heavy meals 4 hours before bedtime

• Keep the head of bed elevated

• Avoid trigger foods.

Raynaud prevention. Patients should:

• Maintain central body temperature

• Protect their hands

• Minimize scratching, to avoid secondary infection

• Use frequent emollients for pruritus

• Avoid smoking.

Those with early diffuse disease should:

• Monitor and record their BP at least weekly

• Measurements above 140/90 mm/Hg or increases over baseline should be reported.

Patients may find the patient information provided online by the American College of Rheumatology and the Scleroderma Foundation helpful. American College of Rheumatology Opens in new window Scleroderma Foundation Opens in new window

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) website provides information on ongoing clinical trials. National Institutes of Health: clinical trials Opens in new window