Top 10 Scleroderma Treatments Backed by Science (And Patient Success Stories!)

Health Apr 16, 2025 0 45 Add to Reading List

Scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune condition, causes the skin and connective tissues to harden and tighten. For many, it’s more than just a skin condition—it affects internal organs and can drastically reduce quality of life. With symptoms like joint pain, digestive issues, and breathing difficulty, patients often feel overwhelmed by limited treatment options. Fortunately, science-backed therapies and inspiring patient experiences are illuminating a path to better health. The top 10 scleroderma treatments—including exciting breakthroughs in herbal treatment for scleroderma.

Top 10 Scleroderma Treatments

Here are 10 Scleroderma treatments—both conventional and natural—used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These approaches can vary depending on the severity and type (localized or systemic) of the disease:

1. Immunosuppressive Therapy

What it is: Medications like methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil help suppress the immune system’s abnormal response.

Scientific Backing: Several clinical trials have shown improved skin tightness and lung function with immunosuppressants, particularly for systemic sclerosis.

Patient Insight: Laura, 42, diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma, shared that after six months of mycophenolate therapy, she regained energy and could walk longer distances without fatigue.

2. Physical and Occupational Therapy

What it is: Customized physical therapy improves joint flexibility, reduces contractures, and enhances overall mobility.

Scientific Backing: Studies suggest that patients who undergo consistent therapy experience less stiffness and better quality of life.

Patient Insight: James, 55, uses daily stretching and hand therapy exercises. “My hands were frozen. Now I can open jars and type again.”

3. Vasodilator Medications

What it is: Medications like calcium channel blockers or PDE-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) open blood vessels and improve circulation.

Scientific Backing: Proven effective in managing Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers common in scleroderma patients.

Patient Insight: Monica credits sildenafil for keeping her fingers ulcer-free during winter. “It’s been a game changer.”

4. Antifibrotic Agents

What it is: These medications reduce fibrosis (scarring) in tissues. Nintedanib, approved by the FDA, slows down lung fibrosis progression.

Scientific Backing: A 2019 trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that nintedanib slowed lung decline in systemic sclerosis.

Patient Insight: “I was scared I’d need oxygen therapy,” says Peter, 60. “But with nintedanib, my lungs are stable.”

5. Stem Cell Transplantation

What it is: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves using a patient’s own stem cells to reset the immune system.

Scientific Backing: The SCOT trial (2018) demonstrated that HSCT could significantly improve survival and skin scores in severe systemic scleroderma.

Patient Insight: Claire, 37, underwent HSCT in 2020. “It was intense, but I feel like I’ve been given a second chance.”

6. Natural and Herbal Treatment for Scleroderma

What it is: Natural therapies, including herbal treatment for scleroderma, aim to reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and ease symptoms without harmful side effects.

Scientific Backing: Research into herbal extracts such as turmeric (curcumin), Boswellia, and ginseng shows anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties.

Top Herbs Backed by Research:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa):Contains curcumin, which inhibits fibrotic pathways.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica):Enhances wound healing and improves skin elasticity.
Ginger:Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.

Patient Insight: Sophie, 45, takes a daily herbal supplement for scleroderma containing turmeric, ginger, and green tea extract. “My flares have reduced, and my skin feels more pliable.”

7. Gut Health and Probiotic Therapy

What it is: Since gastrointestinal symptoms are common in scleroderma, managing gut health with probiotics and digestive enzymes is essential.

Scientific Backing: A 2022 study from Rheumatology International showed significant improvements in bloating and motility when scleroderma patients used a daily probiotic.

Patient Insight: Tom, 52, suffered from chronic constipation and GERD. “After switching to a gut-friendly diet with probiotics, everything changed. I feel human again.”

8. Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

What it is: A low dose of naltrexone, typically used in addiction treatment, is being used off-label to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Scientific Backing: Early studies and anecdotal evidence point to symptom relief in autoimmune conditions, including reduced pain and fatigue.

Patient Insight: “LDN helped lift the brain fog and cut my pain by half,” shares Melanie, a long-time patient.

9. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

What it is: TCM incorporates acupuncture, herbal formulas, and dietary therapy to restore balance and support immune function.

Scientific Backing: A 2020 meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine indicated improved circulation and symptom relief in autoimmune patients undergoing acupuncture.

Herbal Supplement for Scleroderma in TCM:

Astragalus root (Huang Qi):Supports immune function.
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis):Improves blood flow and reduces pain.

Patient Insight: Chen, 49, combines acupuncture with an herbal tonic. “My Raynaud’s attacks are fewer, and my hands don’t hurt like they used to.”

10. Diet and Lifestyle Interventions

What it is: Anti-inflammatory diets, stress reduction, and detoxification routines can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.

Scientific Backing: Diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, support skin health, and improve vascular function.

Recommended Lifestyle Tips:

Mediterranean diet
Daily movement or light exercise
Mindfulness practices (e.g., yoga, meditation)
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol

Patient Insight: Elena adopted an anti-inflammatory diet and herbal supplements. “It took months, but I now have more good days than bad ones.”

Why Choose Herbal Treatment for Scleroderma?

Conventional treatments are effective but often come with a long list of side effects. For many, integrating herbal treatment for scleroderma offers a gentler, more holistic approach. Herbs target the root causes—immune imbalance, oxidative stress, and fibrosis—without suppressing the immune system entirely.

Benefits of Herbal Therapy: