28/09/2025
🌟 Self-Care for those with Scleroderma 🌟
👉 1. The most important thing : build mental strength
Do not lose hope. This disease can be treated. It is possible to return to normal over time, whether sooner or later. Always think positively that you may be one of those who recover.
"Illness is a natural part of life. No one can escape this truth, no matter how much prevention is attempted. There will inevitably come a day when we fall ill. At that time, besides treating the body, it is equally important to care for the mind. Mental suffering often accompanies physical suffering and frequently worsens it, hindering physical healing. But if the mind is well cared for, the suffering will ease, and physical illness may also improve."
— From Dhamma for Patients by Phra Paisal Visalo
👉 2. Prevent wounds on the hands and feet
💊 Avoid cold weather; wear gloves and socks regularly.
💊 Avoid using harsh detergents that are highly abrasive.
💊 Choose mild soaps such as baby soap to prevent skin from drying and cracking.
💊 Use protective equipment as recommended by your doctor to prevent fingertip injuries during risky tasks.
💊 Massage skin and fingers frequently with moisturizing creams or oils to keep them soft and hydrated.
💊 Avoid handling cold objects such as ice or chilled soda cans.
💊 Avoid picking or scratching subcutaneous nodules.
💊 Bathe with warm water and apply moisturizer immediately afterward.
💊 If hands turn very blue and painful, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes.
💊 Keep fingertip wounds clean and dry at all times.
💊 Take medications prescribed by your doctor to reduce blue fingers and toes regularly.
👉 3. Relieve gastrointestinal symptoms
🧪 Exercise the mouth by opening it as wide as possible regularly.
🧪 Eat small portions but increase frequency to 4–6 meals a day.
🧪 Consume soft foods with high water content to make swallowing easier, e.g., porridge, rice soup, soup.
🧪 Drink water when eating dry foods.
🧪 Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
🧪 Avoid spicy and strongly flavored foods.
🧪 Avoid tea and coffee.
🧪 Do not lie down immediately after meals. After dinner, wait 3–4 hours before sleeping.
🧪 Take medications prescribed by the doctor regularly such as antacids, laxatives or pro-motility drugs.
👉 4. Oral health care
🌡 Brush teeth after every meal, including the inside of the cheeks.
🌡 Use a toothbrush with a large handle and a thumb rest for better grip, and with soft bristles to reduce oral tissue injury. Alternatively, use an electric toothbrush.
🌡Visit the dentist for regular oral health check-ups as recommended.
👉 5. Reduce joint and muscle problems
🌡 Perform stretching exercises for arms and legs as recommended by the doctor or physiotherapist.
🌡 Exercise fingers by making full fists and opening hands fully.
🌡 If fingers are bent or cannot fully extend, use the other hand to gently stretch them.
🌡 If experiencing joint or muscle pain without inflammation (as confirmed by the doctor), relieve pain with regular painkillers such as paracetamol.
🌡 If muscles are inflamed and treated with steroids, always attend follow-up appointments for dosage adjustments. Do not increase or decrease medication on your own.
👉 6. Prevent and monitor dangerous complications/side effects 🩸 Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
🩸 Avoid self-medication, especially with steroids, mixed pills, or herbal remedies that may contain steroids.
🩸 Monitor blood pressure regularly. If unusual changes occur, consult your doctor before the scheduled appointment.
🩸 Observe daily urine output. If significantly reduced, see a doctor immediately.
👉 7. Care for mental health and emotions
📍 Keep your mind positive and cheerful.
📍 Understand the nature of the disease and proper self-care to prevent complications.
📍 Exercise regularly for overall health, e.g., walking or cycling.
📍 Control body weight if overweight.
📍 Share self-care experiences with other scleroderma patients.
📍 To maintain appearance, you may use foundation on depigmented areas, or wear long-sleeved, high-collar clothing and gloves.
Professor Ratanawadee Na Nakorn, M.D.
Specialty: Internal Medicine – Rheumatology
