Scleroderma treatment in Turkey | Therapies, results & prices 2025

Understanding scleroderma: what is it?

Scleroderma is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal hardening of the skin and connective tissue. It occurs when the immune system malfunctions and produces excess collagen, leading to progressive thickening of the skin, but also sometimes to internal damage.

There are two main forms of the disease:

• Localized scleroderma, which mainly affects the skin, sometimes the muscles or underlying tissues.
• Systemic scleroderma, which is more severe and can affect vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys or digestive tract.

What are the causes and risk factors for scleroderma?

Scleroderma is a disease whose exact origin remains unknown, but it results from a disturbance of the immune system. Several factors are suspected of playing a triggering or aggravating role. Here's how each of them could contribute to the development of the disease:

Genetic predisposition

Some people have immune-related genes that make them more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. This does not mean that the disease is hereditary, but that a favorable genetic background can predispose to an abnormal immune response.

Immune system dysfunction

The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues (skin, vessels, organs),leading to chronic inflammation and excessive collagen production. This mechanism leads to tissue thickening and the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

Hormonal factors

Scleroderma more often affects women, particularly between the ages of 30 and 50. This suggests a potential role for female hormones, particularly estrogen, in modulating immune system activity.

Exposure to certain environmental agents

Exposure to certain products such as organic solvents, silica dust, heavy metals or viruses could trigger the disease in predisposed individuals. These environmental exposures could damage vascular or connective cells, triggering an uncontrolled immune response.

Symptoms and impact on quality of life

Scleroderma can cause a wide variety of symptoms, more or less severe depending on its form and progression:

• Thickening, stiffness or tightness of the skin, particularly on the hands and face.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Chronic fatigue.
• Digestive disorders (reflux, bloating, malabsorption).
• Shortness of breath or respiratory discomfort, in case of pulmonary involvement.
• Raynaud's phenomenon, with white or purplish fingertips when cold.

These symptoms can impair mobility and daily autonomy, and have a major impact on self-esteem and emotional and social quality of life.

Why is early diagnosis essential?

The earlier scleroderma is detected, the greater the chances of slowing its progression. In Turkey, several clinics specializing in autoimmune diseases offer:

• Comprehensive multidisciplinary check-ups (rheumatology, dermatology, pulmonology, etc.).
• High-precision imaging and biological tests.
• Rapid access to personalized treatments as soon as the first signs appear.

Do you have signs suggestive of scleroderma? Contact our specialists in Turkey for a full medical evaluation and rapid access to a personalized treatment plan.

Drug treatments adapted to each case

To date, there is no cure for scleroderma. However, specialized clinics in Turkey offer personalized, multidisciplinary care focused on slowing down the disease, relieving symptoms and improving living comfort.

Depending on the form (localized or systemic) and progression of the disease, different drugs can be used:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve joint and muscle pain.
• Immunosuppressants (such as methotrexate or cyclophosphamide) moderate the autoimmune response.
• Targeted biotherapies (e.g. tocilizumab, rituximab) are indicated in severe or resistant forms.

Each protocol is prescribed and adjusted by a team of specialists: rheumatologist, dermatologist, pulmonologist and internist.

Management of systemic complications

In cases of internal organ involvement, medical centers in Turkey provide targeted solutions as part of a comprehensive care pathway:

Vascular complications

Next-generation vasodilators (bosentan, iloprost, sildenafil) are used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon and prevent digital ulcers. Infusions may be administered in day hospitals to enhance effectiveness.

Pulmonary complications

Pulmonary fibrosis, which is common in systemic forms of the disease, is monitored through regular lung imaging (high-resolution chest CT scans) and pulmonary function tests. Antifibrotic treatments such as nintedanib or oxygen therapy may be incorporated into the treatment protocol.

Gastrointestinal involvement

For gastroesophageal reflux, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed. In cases of severe malabsorption, prokinetics, nutritional follow-up, and sometimes enteral nutrition may be necessary.

Renal or cardiac involvement

These rarer manifestations require management in specialized hospital settings, with close nephrological or cardiological monitoring.

Rehabilitation, support and complementary care

Beyond medical treatment, scleroderma requires a comprehensive approach:

• Occupational and physiotherapy therapy to preserve joint flexibility, combat skin retraction and maintain autonomy.
• Individualized psychological support to cope with emotional fluctuations and acceptance of the chronic disease.
• Medical aesthetic care (treatment of scars, skin dryness, hyperpigmentation) to help patients reconcile with their image.
• Personalized nutritional follow-up adapted to the patient's digestive disorders and metabolic needs.

The patient journey with Turquie Santé

From the very first contact, we do everything possible to facilitate your medical care in Turkey, with comprehensive and personalized support at every stage.
Your medical file is first sent to Turkish specialists for an in-depth review, allowing us to propose a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We then organize your entire stay seamlessly:

• Round-trip flight reservations
• Private transfers between the airport, hotel, and clinic
• Accommodation in a comfortable facility near your treatment center

Upon arrival, a medical interpreter who speaks your native language will accompany you during consultations and procedures, ensuring clear and stress-free communication with the healthcare team.
At the same time, a dedicated on-site coordinator is available to assist with every detail of your stay and respond to any request you may have.

After your treatment, we provide remote medical follow-up, including sending a full report to your primary care physician to ensure smooth and continuous care.

At Turquie Santé, everything is designed to provide you with compassionate, efficient, and stress-free care in a highly qualified medical environment.

Expected results & return to everyday life

Well-coordinated care, such as that offered by our partner clinics in Turkey, can bring significant improvements in day-to-day life, even though scleroderma remains a chronic disease.

The most frequently observed benefits include:

• Reduced skin stiffness, joint and muscle pain.
• Improved respiratory and digestive functions.
• Improved mobility and comfort in everyday activities.
• Long-term stabilization of the disease, slowing its progression.

Every little bit helps. Regular medical follow-up, either remotely or face-to-face, is essential to adapt treatments as the disease evolves and to preserve the patient's quality of life.