Therapy for Thickened Skin Condition

Scleroderma is a skin condition in which there is thickening and hardening of the skin. The condition may also involve the internal organs, such as the kidneys, lungs and heart. When internal organs are affected, the condition is called systemic sclerosis. Signs and symptoms of systemic sclerosis include fatigue, joint pain, and muscle pain. Calcium deposits may form under the skin, and itchiness, redness, and swelling of the skin also may occur. Raynaud phenomenon, characterized by color and sensation changes of the fingers and toes, can occur. Effects of systemic sclerosis on the lungs can eventually lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Calcipotriol (Dovonex) is a medication form of vitamin D that is applied to the skin and works to regulate development of skin. It may help alleviate skin thickening and hardening. Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker that may be useful in treatment of calcium deposits and Raynaud phenomenon. Joint pain may be treated with acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If pulmonary hypertension develops, bosentan (Tracleer) or treprostinil (Remodulin) may be prescribed. Bosentan works to block constriction of blood vessels, while treprostinil works to dilate blood vessels.