What is the treatment of choice for scleroderma? Do I need to be hospitalized? The preferred treatment method is usually oral medication. If you are treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, you usually take oral Chinese medicine developed by Peking Union Medical College, together with a small amount of western medicine, which is very effective. There is generally no need for hospitalization. Can the skin of scleroderma patients be completely restored to normal after treatment? A small number of patients can be completely restored to normal, and most of them can be satisfactorily controlled, recovering 70% to 80%, without affecting their normal life and work. Do I need to combine hormones and immunosuppressants or take them alone? If the condition is very severe a small amount of hormone can be added, either alone or in combination with immunosuppressants. In what conditions do patients need vasoactive drugs and connective tissue inhibitors? Patients with mainly systemic scleroderma who present with erosions and ulcers on the extremities that repeatedly do not heal over time and have significant pain can add vasoactive drugs. If the disease is severe and the use of Chinese medicine does not work for a long time, connective tissue inhibitors can be added. How do the various types of drugs work together? Will there be any side effects if they are used together? Different combinations have to be made according to different types. The side effects of Chinese medicine are rare. Individuals have increased transaminases and very few have decreased platelets. What should I do if the medication is not effective? Can I stop the medication on my own? Phototherapy can be used if medication is not effective. You have to ask your doctor’s permission to stop the medication, otherwise the disease will recur! What topical medications are available? Centrosine cream, carbotriol cream, and Xylitol cream are good. Do I need to combine with physical therapy? Is there any damage to normal skin? If the condition is severe and oral medications are not effective, consider physical therapy, mainly UV light therapy, which is safe for the skin and slightly pigmented.