How to prevent and treat scleroderma by Natural Ayurveda?

Abstract

This is an autoimmune disorder that is not really known, but it is characterised by thickening in the skin and other areas of the body and microvascular injury in affected organs. Inflammation is seen when an immune response is generated towards tissue that is injured and the body makes too much collagen, which leads to scleroderma. Excessive collagen can tighten your skin and make it hard and rough. Basically, the old name of scleroderma is CREST as it is an acronym and derived from syndrome with five symptoms such as C is for calcinosis ( calcium deposition in skin), R is for Raynaud’s phenomenon ( loss of blood to various parts of the body), E is dysfunction of the esophageal which results in heartburn, S is sclerodactyly, which is thickening and hardening of skin, T is telangiectasia ( red spots in hands , palms, armpits , face and lips). This is how this disease is specified and named.

Introduction

Sclero means “hard,” and derma is “skin,” as the name indicates. This is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes the tightening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues. This is commonly seen in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Researchers think that the cause of this disease is when immune cells overreact and cause inflammation and injury to the cells . This triggers the connective tissue . The excess collagen synthesis occurs mainly in fibroblasts. Amino acids like proline, glycine and hydroxyproline make collagen. Excessive protein in the body can be a risk factor for the kidneys and other organs.

Early symptoms of scleroderma

This often begins with Raynod’s phenomenon, which is usually an attack that happens due to exposure to a cold or some stress. The secondary form of this phenomenon is related to health issues, mainly autoimmune disorders like scleroderma. The first clinical symptoms of this disease can be seen in the skin in the form of inflammation or puffiness, which is seen worse in the morning and reduces during the day. The tightening and hardening of fingers and toes.

Some signs and behaviours of body symptoms are discussed below in the table

Skin signs	Bone and muscle symptoms	Other severe problems
The colour of the skin normally changes from darker to lighter. Hardening and tightening of hands, fingers and face. Small white lumps of calcium over the skin. Appearance of ulcers or sores on the toes and fingertips. Loss of circulation at the fingers and toes, so turns white when exposed to cold. Lines on the face and some dull, wrinkled lines will appear.	Joint pain Stiffness and swelling that results in loss of motion Numbness and pain in the feet. If scleroderma is seen in a developing child, it can disable the growth of limbs. Uncomfortable walking	Dry cough and shortness of breath are the scary symptoms of the lungs. This can also increase the risk of lung cancer, as there is no proper blood circulation. Difficulty in swallowing Heartburn Diarrhoea and problems passing stools. Kidney failure Fibrosis in heart muscle can be seen, as can abnormal circadian rhythms. Some reproductive tract problems: Erectile dysfunction in men Vaginal dryness in women is also seen.

Causes of Scleroderma

The main and particular cause of this autoimmune disease is not known. There are so many skin infections , so it is difficult to know before diagnosis. Studies have proved that scleroderma is caused by excessive collagen secretion by fibroblast cells. Surely, it can be the prior cause; collagen is a protein, so large amounts of protein can harm the inner body and show signs and symptoms on the skin. The overall role of the immune system depends here; this can trigger the blood vessels and cause injury and unwanted inflammation to the cells. Several environmental factors may be the cause, such as the chemical toxins called CISD (chemical – induced sclerodermoid disease) . This is the disorder that affects people who are working in industrial areas and exposed to chemicals. It is well known, reported that aromatic hydrocarbons, vinyl chloride, epoxy resin and some agricultural pesticide chemicals are secondary ailments. Somehow , family history or genetic makeup can increase the chance for certain people to develop scleroderma. During the hormonal changes in females at the time of childbearing, the level of oestrogen gets high and may cause the disease. And this can be seen in women, mostly as compared to men. Basically, the root cause of this autoimmune disease is not known.

Types of Scleroderma

The autoantibodies present in the blood show the types of scleroderma disease. Autoantibodies are the markers of immune abnormalities. This rheumatoid disease may result in characterised abnormalities in circulation, extracellular matrix accumulation and immune system activation.

There are two types of scleroderma

1. Localised
2. Systemic scleroderma

The basic differences between both types are shown in the table

Localised scleroderma	Systemic scleroderma
The localised form of scleroderma is limited to different kinds of skin changes. They do not have internal organ involvement.	This is the complex form of scleroderma and is seen mostly. Also called systemic sclerosis. This can affect the organs throughout the body, in addition to skin changes.
Has two subtypes: Morphea Linear scleroderma	Has three subtypes: Limited Diffuse Overlap scleroderma

Types of both scleroderma explanation

Morphea scleroderma is one type of localised scleroderma. This causes the patches on the skin to form an oval shape. A yellow, waxy, reddish blue appearance is observed, which may spread to other areas of the skin. This type of disease usually becomes inactive over time, but the darkness and scarring of the patches persist. You will feel fatigued.

The other type is linear, which causes lines and marks of different coloured skin on the legs, arms and skin areas, as well as on the forehead.

The other three major categories of systemic sclerosis are

Limited cutaneous scleroderma usually affects the skin of your hands, fingers, legs, armpits and face and causes problems with blood vessels. This is generally milder than a diffuse one, and it does not involve such a major internal organ injury. As the name indicates, “limited,” this is usually limited to the lower arms and sometimes the face. This can often progress more slowly and can be diagnosed and treated carefully. But the variants of limited scleroderma, which are based on autoantibodies, have different risks. In the second type, we have diffuse scleroderma, which can spread more rapidly and harm the internal organs. The beginning of this disease is seen in the hands, and the face. The skin thickening spreads all over the body, such as in elbows, knees, laps, etc. The digestive system , lungs, kidney and heart are the major organs involved in the damage. Overlap scleroderma is one of the types of MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease). The inflammation includes Raynaud’s phenomenon, fibrosis , skin rash, and telangiectasia.

Specific tests for scleroderma

The diagnosis of this disorder is sometimes difficult because it is hard to find a variant of this disease. If the primary physical symptoms and signs exist, such as inflammation, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and puffy skin, the diagnosis is made easier. There is no such single test; , clinical diagnosis is required by the medical history and examined by a doctor. Sample collection is often taken by the patient, like urine or blood samples, to see the affected internal organ. And sometimes a biopsy can be done of the affected skin.

Types of Specific tests are shown below in the given table

Test Name	Description
ANA: Antinuclear Antibody Assay	This is one of the important blood tests to screen for scleroderma to know if there is any autoantibody present in the blood. This is done by taking blood samples, which the technician will examine using a fluorescent microscope. This can automatically detect the blood proteins and easily be observed under a microscope.
Nailfold Capillary Test	One of the main symptoms of scleroderma is change in your nails. These can show if the nail capillaries are larger than normal or they bleed slightly. These tests can be done with different microscopes, such as stereo, videocapillaroscopy, and dermatoscopes.
Pulmonary Lung Function Test	This condition may affect your lungs and cause symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, pulmonary fibrosis, and ILD (interstitial lung disease). A six-minute walking test and a CT scan are used to examine the disorder.
Skin Test	This can be measured by the Modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS) test. The skin thickening, large knuckles will confirm the diagnosis using a pinch technique. If pinching your finger and thumb is not painful, it shows there is no skin thickening. This test is done on the regions of your arms, thighs, legs, feet, chest, and abdomen.
Other Tests: ECG X-rays Upper GI testing	An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to check the changes in the heart muscle tissue due to scleroderma. The ECG records any abnormal activity and circadian rhythms. X-rays show the changes in bones via the small amount of radiation needed to take pictures of internal tissues, bones, and organs. GI testing is also done as this can cause certain gastrointestinal complications like ulcers, infections, acid reflux, intestinal bleeding, and clogged vessels. GI tests include endoscopy, 24-hour esophageal test, renal biopsy, and many more.

The DO’s and Don’ts during Scleroderma condition

Do’s

Don’ts

Warm your body temperature. Dress in layers and wear warm clothes according to the weather. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors. Use moisturisers to prevent stiffness. Avoid hot baths, showers, harsh soaps, dishwashers, and caustic chemicals. Exercise regularly to stimulate blood circulation to affected areas. Eat frequent meals, chew well, and stay upright for 3 hours after eating. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Avoid cold environments as they may worsen Raynaud’s phenomenon symptoms. Avoid hot baths, showers, harsh soaps, dishwashers, and caustic chemicals. Quit smoking. Nicotine can constrict blood vessels and lead to lung problems. Avoid leaning or lying back with your upper body. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

The treatment of scleroderma depends on the type. Doctors can only recommend medications which can manage and relieve the pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce swelling, and for skin changes (itching, thickening), topical creams are recommended. Some injectable immunosuppressants may be prescribed by the doctors, which may suppress the overactive immune response and control the disease. The widened blood vessels are treated with the vasodilators. This disease can also be treated by cardiologists, who will help to cure the blood vessels, Dentists may also help in treating the inflammation of mouth and gums. Gastroenterologists, they can treat digestive problems, including ulcers, acidity, heartburn, etc The kidney damage can be cured by nephrologists and orthopaedists for the bone and joint injuries. Somehow, patients may face anxiety and depression, so they must be concerned with mental health professionals. These chemical exposures are not preferred by patients due to side effects. And they are not very effective and react to sensitive bodies.

Ayurvedic overview

In Ayurveda, scleroderma is viewed as a complex, chronic disorder involving an imbalance primarily of the Vata and Kapha doshas, along with disturbance in Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle tissue), and Medas (fat tissue). The symptoms of skin hardening, stiffness, and reduced flexibility are understood to arise from excessive Ama (toxins) accumulation and impaired Agni (digestive fire), which block the Srotas (body channels) and disrupt normal tissue function.

Scleroderma is not directly described in classical Ayurvedic texts but may be correlated with conditions such as Kushta (skin disorders), Vatarakta (Vata-induced blood disorders), and Granthi (nodular growths), depending on the individual’s presentation. The autoimmune nature of the condition is seen as a result of prolonged doshic imbalance and toxin build-up, leading the body to attack its own tissues. Management in Ayurveda involves a holistic approach focused on detoxification, dosha pacification, and tissue rejuvenation. Treatments include Panchakarma (Purification therapies) like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (Medicated enema), which help eliminate deep-seated toxins. Internal herbal medications such as Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Guggulu, and Manjishtha are used for their adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Supportive therapies like Abhyanga (medicated oil massage), Swedana (sudation), and specific dietary and lifestyle modifications are essential to regulate Agni and enhance immunity. Yoga, meditation, and stress reduction also play a vital role in managing the psychosomatic aspects of the disease. Ayurveda emphasizes a personalized approach, addressing the root cause and promoting long-term balance and healing.

Herbal Remedies for Scleroderma by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a reputable Ayurvedic brand that uses natural and herbal ingredients. It deals with natural herbs extracted from plants. Only Ayurveda can help us attain equilibrium on all levels of mind, body and spirit. As of now, Ayurveda science deals with medical science as well as universal conventional science. With herbal medications and a properly maintained, healthy diet, Planet Ayurveda can successfully cure the disease permanently. Whereas compared to modern medicine, this only focuses on the symptoms and treats illness. And Ayurveda prevents the disease and maintains body balance. Ayurveda looks for the Roga, i.e., the disease and the Rogi (patient) individually and is concerned about the treatment with the Panchkarma and Rasayana therapies along with herbal medications. Scleroderma is the disease that imbalances the vata and pitta doshas. These imbalance Vata and pitta dosha lead to several symptoms, like dryness, hardening and thickening of the skin, and inflammation in tissues. Planet Ayurveda treats scleroderma and aims to balance the doshas, improve immune health, and promote overall well being. The prescribed herbal medications and diet plans will definitely cure the disease. All these medications are made with pure Ayurvedic herbs and have no side effects on the body. Dr. Vikram Chauhan invented the best herbal medicinal product, the Sclero Care Pack.

Product Items:

• Ashwagandha capsules
• Boswellia- curcumin
• Gotukola capsules
• Sanjivani vati
• Gandhak Rasayan
• Sinhnaad Guggul

Product Description:

1. Ashwagandha capsule

   This is derived from the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This capsule improves immune health, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue flexibility. This is a hot, potent herb that calms the vata dosha and serves as a rasayan (tonic).

   Dosage: Take one capsule, twice daily, with warm water.

2. Boswellia – curcumin

   This is made with two herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Haridra). This is in capsule form. The polyherbal formulation pacifies all the three doshas and stabilises the shotha and shoola. These herbs have the anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and the main bioactive constituent of turmeric is curcumin, which has beneficial effects and treats people with autoimmune disorders.

   Dosage: Take two capsules twice daily with warm water.

3. Gotukola capsules

   This single herbal formulation is made from Gotu kola extracts (Centella asiatica). This bitter-tasting capsule promotes blood vessel health and circulation. Some gotu kola extracts can help reduce the symptoms of scleroderma. This also aids in the detoxification of manovaha srotas and soothes the brain.

   Dosage: Take two capsules twice a day with warm water.

4. Sanjivani vati

   This is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Planet Ayurveda’s Sanjivani vati is made with a mixture of Ayurvedic herbs such as Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Ginger root (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Guduchi herb (Tinospora cordifolia), and Shuddh Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium). This herbal medication in tablet form helps to alleviate scleroderma symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and pain in affected areas.

   Dosage: Take two tablets twice daily with warm water.

5. Gandhak Rasayan

   This is in tablet form. Shuddh Gandhak (purified sulfur) is the key ingredient involved in Planet Ayurveda’s Gandhak Rasayan. This basically purifies the blood flow and circulation. It is extensively used in a wide range of clinical conditions, like skin diseases, is anti- allergic and also works in treating respiratory disorders.

   Dosage: Take two tablets twice daily with warm water.

6. Sinhnaad guggul

   This tablet form is also a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formula. The ingredients include Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), and Amla (Emblica officinalis). This aids in the treatment of gastric problems such as acidity and ulcers. This can help with vata disorders. The main ingredient is guggul (Commiphora mukul), which has both light (laghu) and dry (ruksha) properties. These can help alleviate scleroderma symptoms.

   Dosage: Take two tablets twice a day with warm water.

Conclusion

This article concluded that scleroderma is a complex autoimmune disease that requires proper medication as well as a healthy diet. This is a connective tissue disorder that causes fibrosis in the skin and other organs. Many people with this disorder struggled during their treatment. Additionally, the cause of sclerosis remains unknown. It could be due to genetics or environmental factors. This disease is treatable with Ayurveda. One must change his or her lifestyle and diet as prescribed by the doctors. By avoiding inflammatory foods such as fried, sugary, and high-fat dairy products. Maintain hydration by drinking water and herbal teas. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help to relieve stress. As previously stated, avoid exposure to high temperatures and protect your skin from drying. Planet Ayurveda, the most well-known and trusted Ayurvedic brand, offers the best herbal medication for immune health. It also aims to help patients with scleroderma. Many home remedies are also required, as recommended by your doctor. It is critical to consult and diagnose with the appropriate healthcare provider.