RMG Rheumatology Provides Relief With Comprehensive Scleroderma Treatment in Raleigh
Does your skin feel tight?
Has it started to harden and thicken?
Maybe your skin has patches of different colors, often creating a salt-and-pepper pattern.
If you have these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with RMG Rheumatology, because these are potential signs of scleroderma.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that not only causes tight skin and joint pain, it can affect other systems in your body, such as your heart, lungs and kidneys. Autoimmune diseases are a special class of illnesses where your body’s immune system mistakenly “attacks” healthy cells.
How Do I Know If I Need Scleroderma Treatment?
Only a complete medical exam from our leading rheumatologist in Raleigh can provide an accurate and timely diagnosis. Scleroderma shares a lot of the same symptoms as other diseases. Add to this the fact that different people can show different signs of scleroderma, and you can understand why you need to trust your healthcare to our experienced team.
During an exam, we’ll review your medical history and evaluate your symptoms—taking time to get to know you and answer any questions. You’ll never feel rushed during an appointment with RMG Rheumatology.
In addition, we may order lab tests to see if you have certain antibodies that indicate an autoimmune disease. But this test alone will not determine whether or not you have scleroderma. We may also have to perform a skin biopsy. We use all of these to craft a diagnosis and begin scleroderma treatment.
Exams Can Help Discover If You Have Organ Damage From Scleroderma
Scleroderma can affect different organs, such as your kidneys, heart and lungs. For example, many with the disease have decreased lung capacity and other respiratory problems
If you have organ damage or diseases, the following imaging exams can help us detect them early:
- CT Scan, where we examine detailed images of your organs
- Echocardiogram, where we take images of your heart using sound waves
- Pulmonary tests, where we measure how well your lungs are functioning
How Will You Treat My Scleroderma?
There is no cure for scleroderma, but we can help you with pain management and scleroderma treatments to reduce swelling. Some of our treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Topical creams to treat your skin
- Immunosuppressants
- Vasodilators, which cause your blood vessels to widen
- Occupational therapy
Effective Scleroderma Treatment Depends Upon What Type of Scleroderma You Have
There are two types of scleroderma, and we’ll tailor our plan accordingly depending on your individual needs.
- Localized scleroderma only affects the skin.
- Systemic scleroderma is much more serious. In this state, your scleroderma is affecting other organs. It’s vital that systemic scleroderma is diagnosed early to minimize any organ damage.
Am I At Risk For Getting Scleroderma?
Scleroderma can affect anyone. However, if you have any of the following factors, you may be at greater risk of developing the disease.
- You’re female
- You’re between the ages of 30 and 50
- You’re African-American
See Why RMG Rheumatology Is Trusted By Hundreds of Raleigh and Triangle Residents
State-of-the-art care is only the beginning. We know there’s much more to comprehensive healthcare” There’s you–the individual patient. Your case is unique, and your treatment should be tailored for you.
We know that technological advancements are only part of the picture, which is why our patient-centered approach incorporates compassionate care with a warm and friendly environment. Our leading rheumatologist in Raleigh, Dr. Priyank Chaudhary, is board-certified in both Internal medicine and rheumatology—meaning we have the experience to provide the highest quality of care you need.
If you believe you may have scleroderma, don’t wait. As we mentioned earlier, this disease can affect other systems in your body, and the sooner it is diagnosed, the more effective your scleroderma treatment will be. Speak to your doctor about a referral today.
