Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Systemic sclerosis
An autoimmune condition causing hardening and tightening of the skin and, in some people, internal organs — managed by a specialist team to control symptoms and protect organs.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Systemic sclerosis?
Systemic sclerosis (a form of scleroderma) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which the immune system triggers excess collagen, causing hardening and tightening of the skin and, in some people, damage to internal organs and blood vessels. It ranges from milder forms mainly affecting the skin of the hands, face and lower arms, to more extensive forms that can affect the lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive system.
- How it is treated: There is no cure, so care focuses on controlling symptoms, protecting organs and maintaining function, tailored to which parts of the body are affected.
- Self-care: Keeping warm and not smoking (to protect the circulation), skin care and moisturising, staying active with physiotherapy support, and attending monitoring for organ involvement all help manage the condition.
- When to seek help: See a GP about tight, hardening or thickened skin, especially with Raynaud's or reflux, for referral to a rheumatologist.
What it is
Systemic sclerosis (a form of scleroderma) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which the immune system triggers excess collagen, causing hardening and tightening of the skin and, in some people, damage to internal organs and blood vessels. It ranges from milder forms mainly affecting the skin of the hands, face and lower arms, to more extensive forms that can affect the lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive system. Almost everyone has Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers changing colour in the cold), often the first symptom. Because internal organ involvement drives the outlook, early diagnosis and specialist monitoring are important.
How it is treated
There is no cure, so care focuses on controlling symptoms, protecting organs and maintaining function, tailored to which parts of the body are affected. Raynaud's and skin symptoms are managed, and specific treatments are used to protect and support the lungs, kidneys, heart and gut when involved — for example blood-pressure medicines that protect the kidneys, and treatments for lung involvement. Regular monitoring for organ complications allows early treatment. Physiotherapy, skin care and multidisciplinary support all help. Care is led by a rheumatology team, often working with other specialists.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Systemic sclerosis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Keeping warm and not smoking (to protect the circulation), skin care and moisturising, staying active with physiotherapy support, and attending monitoring for organ involvement all help manage the condition.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about tight, hardening or thickened skin, especially with Raynaud's or reflux, for referral to a rheumatologist. Seek urgent care for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or a sudden rise in blood pressure.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Systemic sclerosis: frequently asked questions
What is scleroderma?
Scleroderma means hardening of the skin. Systemic sclerosis is a form that can affect not only the skin but also internal organs, and is managed by a specialist team to control symptoms and protect organs.
Is systemic sclerosis the same for everyone?
No — it ranges from milder forms mainly affecting the skin of the hands and face to more extensive forms involving the lungs, heart, kidneys or gut. This is why care and monitoring are individualised.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Scleroderma
- Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK / rheumatology guidance
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