Scleroderma Patient Education

Patient Education

Educate patient on scleroderma and its different types, their symptoms, any change or worsening of symptoms that should prompt patient to seek immediate medical care, available treatments and side effects, and diagnostic tests for detection of possible complications
An exercise or rehabilitation program designed by a physiotherapist is most crucial
- To reduce contractures and functional impairment
- To minimize joint deformities and strengthen the muscles
- To keep the blood freely flowing
Rest if joints become inflamed
Skin care is very important to keep a good supply of blood flowing to the skin
- Keep the whole body warm to help open the blood vessels of the skin, especially in the hands and feet
- Avoid strong detergents or other substances that can irritate the skin
- Prevent drying of skin
- Use moisturizers and topical emollients to soften and protect the skin
- Clean digital ulcer wounds with soap and water or physiological serum and use appropriate occlusive dressings
Cosmetic makeup may be used to cover up lesions
- Inactive lesions with atrophic changes may be managed with injectable cosmetic fillers, injection of autologous fat transplantation or surgical excision
Have a healthy and balanced diet and adequate hydration, minimize caffeine intake
Avoid high doses of vitamin C (>1000 mg) as it promotes collagen formation and emotional stress as it reduces blood flow
Quit smoking
Avoid sympathomimetic decongestant medications (eg Pseudoephedrine) and high-dose corticosteroid use (>15 mg of Prednisone daily) if possible
Avoid exposures to silica or solvents and factors which aggravate Raynaud’s phenomenon, eg hammering, vibration, trauma, exposure to cold, smoking, vasoconstrictor drugs, etc
Check blood pressure regularly to monitor for possible complications including scleroderma renal crisis
Educate patient on oral hygiene

Meeting individual needs of patients with atopic dermatitis

Prof. Martin Steinhoff, Dr. Mahreen Ameen, Dr. Chih-Ho Hong, 06 Sep 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with complex aetiology and presentation. Globally, AD incidence is heterogeneous – it is higher in Africa and Oceania and lower in India and northeastern and eastern Europe, said Prof Martin Steinhoff, director, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, Qatar, who chaired a Pfizer-sponsored symposium during WCD 2023.

AD has a variable course, and its heterogeneous presentation adds complexity to how the disease is managed. The burden of AD is the highest among all skin diseases, added Steinhoff. It has mental health manifestations such as anxiety and depression, chronic itch, fatigue, skin pain, and sleep disturbance. AD may also co-exist with other comorbidities that could impact patients’ general health. “We need to assess every patient carefully and manage them optimally,” he pointed out.

Steinhoff is joined by renowned experts Dr Mahreen Ameen, consultant dermatologist, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, and Dr Chih-Ho Hong, dermatologist, Saint Paul Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. Together, they shared four global cases of AD, including treatment options for patients.

GP symposium 2019: Updates on the Use of Probiotics in Clinical Practice

Dr. Gwee Kok Ann, Dr. Warren Lee, Dr. Mark Tang, Dr. Lim Sanghyun, 24 Apr 2019

Modulation of gut microbiota with probiotics has been studied in a wide range of clinical settings, in the hope of achieving health benefits in the host. Under the auspices of the Asian GI Faculty, four experts discussed the role of probiotics in clinical practice at the recent IMPACT (Improving Medical Practice through Advancement in Clinical Treatment) GP symposium in Singapore sponsored by DCH Auriga.

Atopic dermatitis: Key drivers in making treatment decisions

Prof. Johannes Ring, Prof. Sonja Ständer, Prof. Zuotao Zhao, 05 Sep 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing skin disease that requires long-term control. At the 25th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD) in Singapore, Professor Sonja Ständer, professor of dermatology and neurodermatology at the University Hospital Münster, Germany, and Professor Zuotao Zhao, dermatologist from the First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China, shared clinical approaches to managing patients with moderate-to-severe AD. The session was chaired by Professor Johannes Ring, director, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Biederstein at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Among the key topics discussed were the multifactorial nature of AD, its primary symptoms, and the various therapeutic options for itch relief.