How do I manage my scleroderma on a daily basis?

Taking medications as directed will help keep symptoms at bay. Staying active (10,000 steps NO EXCUSES!), eating a healthy diet (avoid flamers if you have GI issues, as well as the five food felons), keeping stress in check (as best you can; sleep, yoga, deep breathing, and the two previous items help a lot), and protecting your skin from the cold and sun can also make a huge difference on a daily basis. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Seeking out a support group, either online or face-to-face, where people exchange wonderful ways to deal with the everyday impasses could be just the thing.

It is important to continue living life as best you can with scleroderma. It is a chronic disease, and as such, mental health and well-being can be just as important as physical treatments. Stay involved, and live your life to the fullest.

Managing your scleroderma on a daily basis should first involve following your doctor's recommendations for medication and other treatment. There are additional things you can do to help manage the physical and emotional effects of scleroderma. Maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength can help alleviate pain and stiffness and promote circulation, so it is important to exercise and keep a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, quit - smoking constricts blood vessels, which may worsen symptoms. To protect sensitive hands and fingers, wear gloves whenever you expose your hands to cold even for a few seconds. Joining a support group, practicing meditation and other relaxation techniques, or seeking help from a counselor can help manage the emotional stress that may come from scleroderma.