Scleroderma Types Systemic Symptoms Raynaud's

Raynaud's Treatments

Video Overview by Amanda Thorpe

Video: Raynaud's Treatment in Systemic Scleroderma
Presented by Amanda Thorpe
*More Sclero Videos*

Mild cases of Raynaud's do not require treatment. Severe attacks which do not respond to the usual treatments, medications, and rewarming procedures may require hospitalization. (Also see What is Scleroderma?, Types of Scleroderma and Systemic Symptoms)

Diet, lifestyle and smoking can play a significant role in either worsening, or improving, Raynaud's. (Also see Raynaud's Prevention)

Mild Cases do not Require Treatment

Raynaud's is often mild and does not require treatment other than prevention techniques. However, various treatments can be used or medications prescribed when there are digital (finger or toe) ulcers, or when Raynaud's becomes painful.

Amputation (Severe Cases)

Sometimes, despite the best efforts by both the doctor and the patient, the Raynaud's in scleroderma may progress to gangrene. In severe cases this may require amputation of the affected part.

Amputation: ISN Photo Repository ISN.

Amputation Links. Charles Eaton, MD.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is generally not as effective for Scleroderma-related Raynaud's as it can be for primary Raynaud's, although some patients do find it to be helpful.

What is Biofeedback Therapy and Who Can Benefit? Biofeedback therapy is a non-drug treatment in which patients learn to control bodily processes that are normally involuntary, such as muscle tension, blood pressure, or heart rate. Medical News Today.

Botox

Botox may be helpful for Raynaud's and might improve healing for digital ulcers.

Digital Sympathectomy (Microvascular Hand Surgery) for Severe Cases

Severe cases of Raynaud's should be managed by the rheumatologist, where treatments may include vascular and hand surgery.

Photos of Digital Sympathectomy in Systemic Scleroderma Patient. Click on images to enlarge and for patient commentary from the International Scleroderma Network (ISN) Photo Repository. ISN.

Digital (Finger) Ulcers. Systemic scleroderma and Raynaud's can cause painful ulcers on the fingers or toes, which are known as digital ulcers. ISN.

Judy King: CREST Syndrome A neurosurgeon performed a Digital Sympathectomy on my right hand and, thank God, my finger was saved…

Ginkgo Biloba

(Expired Article) Ginkgo and Raynaud's. Ginkgo reduced the daily frequency of Raynaud's symptoms and that weekly attacks were less frequent. Ginkgo can interact with certain herbs and medications and can increase your risk of bleeding. Raynaud's Association.

Hypothyroidism: Treat, If Necessary

Hypothyroidism occurs in a fair percentage of Scleroderma patients, and adequate treatment for it can be beneficial for the Raynaud's, also. ISN.

Medications for Raynaud's

Medications. There are a number of prescription medications that have been proven to be effective for Raynaud's. ISN.

Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks can help in the short-term, however they frequently worsen Raynaud's in the long run. ⁽²⁾

Nitroglycerine Cream

Nitroglycerine cream may be used for Raynaud's, although it needs to be used sparingly.

Raynaud's Prevention

Preventing attacks is actually the first and most vital step for treating Raynaud's.

Raynaud's Prevention. Reduce your exposure to cold and stress. To ty stay warm, wear gloves, and keep your core temperature up. Wear layers of clothing and thermal underwear. Avoid caffeine and vasoconstricting medications. Use shoulder bags, backpacks or trolleys. ISN.

Statins

A 2009 study reported that statins may be beneficial in treating vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis, such as Raynaud's, through their pleiotropic effects.

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Treatments for Raynaud's. Serotonin re-uptake antagonists are also used to treat depression. Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association.

Ineffective Treatments for Raynaud's

A 2009 study reported that Tadalafil (Adcirca®), which is FDA approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, appears to be safe and well tolerated but wasn't any better than placebo for the treatment of Raynaud's. (Also see: Pulmonary Hypertension Treatments)

A 2005 study showed that vitamin E did not improve perfusion in systemic sclerosis patients.

References

(1) "The Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) treatment study (RTS): A comparison of pharmacologic and behavioral interventions." ACR Abstract.

SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses. We are a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team. Donations may also be mailed to: