Lifestyle changes may help to ease some symptoms.
General Guidelines
Manage Raynaud Phenomenon
People with systemic sclerosis can manage symptoms of Raynaud phenomenon by:
- Wearing warm gloves and hats
- Dressing in layers
- Using hand and body warmers
- Not spending a lot of time in cold settings
Decrease Digestive Problems
People with systemic sclerosis may be able to ease digestive problems by:
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, peppermint, and chocolate
- Avoiding high-fiber foods
- Adding bran and avoiding lactose to ease diarrhea
- Drinking plenty of fluids to ease constipation
References
Kowal-Bielecka O, Fransen J, et al. Update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Aug;76(8):1327-1339.
Localized scleroderma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/localized-scleroderma . Accessed August 12, 2020.
Scleroderma. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Scleroderma/default.asp. Accessed August 12, 2020.
Systemic sclerosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/systemic-sclerosis . Accessed August 12, 2020.
What is scleroderma? Scleroderma Foundation website. Available at: http://www.scleroderma.org/site/PageServer?pagename=patients%5Fwhatis#.WEhnf02QzIV. Accessed August 12, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2020
- Update Date: 03/09/2021