Juvenile Scleroderma Treatment in India

Amit Malhotra, a 14-year-old avid cricket...

Amit Malhotra, a 14-year-old avid cricket player from Jaipur, first noticed tight, shiny skin on his fingers and hands six months ago. His parents initially dismissed it as a reaction to the dry winter air, but when his fingers began to curl into a claw-like position and he developed painful ulcers on his fingertips, they grew concerned. Amit struggled to grip his cricket bat and complained of constant joint stiffness. Their pediatrician referred them to a rheumatologist, Dr. Sharma, who diagnosed Amit with Linear Scleroderma, a subtype of Juvenile Scleroderma affecting a band of skin on his arm and hand. Dr. Sharma recommended a multi-pronged treatment plan, including Methotrexate (an immunosuppressant) to halt disease progression, rigorous physical and occupational therapy to preserve hand function, and topical treatments for the skin. The weekly Methotrexate injections were daunting for Amit, who hated needles. The therapy sessions were painful and frustrating, forcing him to temporarily quit cricket. Emotionally, Amit felt angry and isolated, mourning the loss of his normal teenage life and his identity as an athlete. Over 18 months of consistent treatment, the skin softening became noticeable. The finger ulcers healed, and his hand mobility improved dramatically through dedicated therapy. While he still has some limitations, Amit has returned to modified cricket practice. His emotional journey shifted from anger to determined resilience. He now advocates for himself in therapy and has found a new appreciation for his body's strength, focusing on what he *can* do rather than what he can't.