Aspirin, dipyridamole, and other drugs that prevent blood clotting and keep blood flowing freely are sometimes recommended. For finger ulcers that won't heal and are resistant to standard treatments, surgery called sympathectomy may be performed. This procedure blocks the nerves responsible for narrowing blood vessels in the hand, thereby increasing blood flow. Short-term administration of estrogen may benefit older women with Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis. Treatments for Skin Thickening Nitroglycerin .
Nitrates relax smooth muscles and so dilate arteries.
Before applying it, any ointment that remains from the previous application should be removed. Side effects of nitrates include headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, and sweating. Lying down with the legs elevated can relieve low blood pressure and dizziness. Alcohol, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and certain antidepressants can significantly worsen these effects. Penicillamine, a drug used in rheumatoid arthritis has been investigated for treating skin thickening and preventing pulmonary fibrosis.