Skin thickening interferes with mobility. Patients may experience fatigue, weakness, joint pain or swelling, arthritis, and digestive or swallowing problems. Damage to the lungs, heart, or kidneys is a common cause of death. Currently, there is no cure for scleroderma. Patients need to exercise regularly and protect their skin and joints.
Some patients also benefit from stress management.
Relaxin in a hormone made during pregnancy. It helps the uterus to grow and softens the ligaments in the birth canal. The drug is a laboratory-derived version of the natural protein. In patients with scleroderma, relaxin inhibits production of collagen and promotes an increase in an enzyme called collagenase, which degrades collagen. Earlier studies showed patients who received the drug had significantly improved skin symptoms and increased mobility and function.