Scleroderma is called both a rheumatic disease and a connective tissue disease. The term rheumatic disease refers to a group of conditions characterized by inflammation and/or pain in the muscles, joints, or fibrous tissue. A connective tissue disease is one that affects tissues such as skin, tendons, and cartilage.

An individual with scleroderma may develop either a localized or a systemic form of the disease. Localized scleroderma usually affects only the skin on the hands and face. Systemic scleroderma, however, affects the connective tissue in many parts of the body, including the skin, the esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, heart, and other internal organs. It is unusual for localized scleroderma to progress to the systemic form.

Garlic

1. Garlic:
One of the best natural remedies for alleviating scleroderma is garlic. You should avoid the intake of garlic if you have scleroderma. Thus, only the topical application of garlic is advisable. It helps soften the skin.

Cut one garlic clove into three medium pieces. Apply each of the three pieces to affected areas on the skin. Rub these pieces on the patches for half an hour. Alternatively, you can use a cotton ball, dip it in garlic oil and apply it to the affected area. You can also prepare garlic tea, and use a cloth to apply that on the skin. To prepare garlic tea, boil a few garlic cloves in water and brew the mixture.

2. Gram Flour:
Another effective remedy for scleroderma is gram flour. The yellow powder may look ordinary, but it may work wonders on your patchy skin. Gram flour has many antioxidants, and it can help make the tough skin supple again. Add one cup of gram flour to a bowl of water. Whisk the mixture well, until it forms a fine paste. Now, take a cotton ball or cloth, drop it in a bowl. Once the cotton soaks some of the paste, take the remaining paste and apply it on the affected areas. Now use the cotton ball and massage the thick spots for some time. For best results, remember to do this twice every day. You can also directly use gram flour on the affected skin. Remember to massage it gently with your fingertips.

3. Lemon:
Another great home remedy for scleroderma is lemon. You can safely apply lemon directly on the site of the disease. You should do this for 10-15 minutes thrice a day. You can also squeeze some lemon juice in a bowl. Add some honey and mix well. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it on the patchy skin. Lemon helps eliminate free radicals while honey is a natural emollient. Using the mix will soften the hardened patches.

4. Turmeric:
Turmeric is one of the best natural remedies for scleroderma. Add two teaspoons of turmeric to a cup of water and mix well until it forms a paste. Dip a cotton ball in the paste and apply it on the site of scleroderma for 20-25 minutes every day. As the turmeric paste can leave some stains, you can also consider using turmeric powder directly. Turmeric helps eliminate free radicals from the body. You can also ingest turmeric to treat scleroderma. Mix some turmeric in a glass of milk or water and have it twice a day.

5. Spinach:
Spinach is one of the richest sources of iron, folate, phosphorous and vitamin E. It is also full of phytonutrients, which provide energy directly to the cells and boost immunity. Remember to eat two cups of spinach every day, raw or steamed. If you do not like the strong flavor of spinach, you can add vegetables like carrot or tomato to enhance its taste and enjoy its goodness.