My Top 7 Scleroderma Self-care Items

When dealing with scleroderma, some things are necessities. Following are the seven must-have items that best help me to manage symptoms and practice the best self-care possible.

1. Heating pad

I need my heating pad. I keep one on the couch. Yes, old lady business right here, but the body wants what the body wants. My body aches an awful lot. The heat helps to penetrate my muscles and joints and relieve the throbbing, painful feeling.

Here’s a piece of fantastic information: Heating pads can also come with an attachment for your vehicle. You can plug it right in. They are excellent on long trips and keep you warm if the other passengers want it cooler.

2. Gel ice pack

I just discussed the heat, but let’s get into the cold for a moment. Scleroderma patients are prone to different skin manifestations. For example, chronic hives are my nemesis. To say I despise these exasperating things is an understatement.

I have tried everything to find relief — antihistamines, topical creams, prescribed medication — and comfort still eluded me. Ice packs provided the relief I was seeking. They took away the heat from those troublesome eruptions and relieved the itching and the swelling.

A quick tip: Use a towel as a barrier to keep the ice pack from directly touching the skin.

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3. Heating blanket

I keep this on my bed. Yes, even in the summer. The worst thing for a scleroderma patient with Raynaud’s phenomenon is cold, and air conditioning will cause this painful occurrence to rear its ugly head.

I have neuropathy in my hands and feet — thanks, scleroderma! I don’t know about you, but the cold causes me to experience severe foot and leg cramps. And there is nothing more jarring than waking up in the middle of the night to excruciating cramps. Heating blankets allow my legs and feet to stay warm.

If you don’t have a heating blanket and are unceremoniously awakened with a vicious cramp, run it under hot water. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve hobbled to the bathroom, run the water, and sat with my feet submerged until the cramps subsided.

4. Hot hands/warm hands

If you have scleroderma, you probably also suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon. My hands get so cold it makes even the slightest movement painful. Air conditioning or any level of cold air tends to kick my Raynaud’s into gear. Stress also does it for me.

I keep hand warmers in my purse, in my vehicle, and stashed around the house. I’ve found it’s best to be prepared to stave off any flares. These are not to be used in place of your prescribed medication. They can be used in addition to your meds to offer you the most comfort possible.

5. Thick, fluffy socks

In my humble opinion, the more ridiculous the socks, the better. I love colorful, funny ones. Why? When you feel icky and need a smile, you can look down at your feet!

Nonskid works best if you want to wear them around the house. Keeping your tootsies warm is essential. Mine get ice cold. When they are cold, they cramp. And I’m not too fond of cramping.

A quick tip: Although a tad more expensive, getting sherpa-lined socks is without a doubt worth it.

6. Lotion

Anyone with scleroderma knows that itching can drive you up a wall. There are several topical ointments and creams you may be prescribed. However, I use Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Relief Treatment.

I’ve tried different types of lotion. Oh my goodness, the money I’ve spent on finding a suitable cream has been ridiculous. If you read this column, you know the trials of having itchy skin.

The extreme dryness of your skin is often seen during active inflammation. It’s one of my telltale signs. To respond to this, stay moisturized. But contact your physician if over-the-counter methods aren’t working for you.

7. Jar, can lid opener

This adaptive tool is genuinely something all scleroderma patients need in their arsenal. My hands have arthritis, and my grip strength is nowhere near what it used to be. These little tools have allowed me to maintain my independence.

Here’s my question for the folks who package products: Who tightens them up? The Hulk? I had a hard time allowing myself to buy these items. If I bought them, I was admitting my inability to do something as simple as opening a jar.

But I’m glad I did. And my hands are happy I did, too.

A quick tip: If you find you cannot open something that has been vacuum-sealed — you know, the thing that pops up when you open it? — take something sharp and stab it. It will release the pressure, and you can open the jar! Easy peasy.

This list is not all-inclusive. Find your comfort items and make them work for you. You will be happy you did.

What items are on your must-have care list? Please share in the comments below. 

Note: Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Scleroderma News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to scleroderma.