Scleroderma Treatment in India

Robert Jones, a 58-year-old construction foreman,...

Robert Jones, a 58-year-old construction foreman, had always prided himself on his tough, weathered hands. Over the past two years, however, he noticed his fingers becoming stiff, shiny, and tight, making it difficult to grip tools. They would turn white and numb in the cold. His wife grew concerned about the persistent sores on his knuckles. A visit to his primary doctor led to a referral to a dermatologist, who diagnosed him with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). The doctor recommended a series of intralesional corticosteroid injections directly into the thickened, painful skin (morphea) on his hands to soften the tissue, improve mobility, and promote healing of the ulcers. Robert was anxious; the idea of needles in his already sensitive hands was daunting. The procedure, done under local anesthetic, was uncomfortable but brief. Over the following weeks, with dedicated physical therapy, the tightness in his fingers lessened slightly, and the sores began to heal. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and fear about losing his livelihood to a cautious optimism. While not a cure, the treatment gave him a sense of agency and hope, allowing him to continue working with adapted tools.