Which Specialist Treats Scleroderma
Rheumatologists are the primary specialists who treat scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), as evidenced by the fact that 29 of 32 clinical experts on the EULAR expert panel for scleroderma treatment guidelines were rheumatologists. 1
Primary Specialist
Rheumatologists serve as the primary treating physicians for both systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma, leading the development of evidence-based treatment recommendations and managing the complex multisystem nature of this disease 1
The EULAR expert panel that established international treatment standards consisted predominantly of rheumatologists (29 out of 32 clinical experts), with only 1 dermatologist and 2 pediatric rheumatologists included 1
When Dermatologists Are Involved
Dermatologists play a key role in early diagnosis and management of localized scleroderma (morphea), particularly for limited, superficial cutaneous lesions that can be managed with topical treatments 2
Dermatologists are often the first-line physicians who recognize early cutaneous manifestations, as skin involvement is the earliest and most characteristic feature of scleroderma 3
For localized scleroderma confined to specific body regions without internal organ involvement, dermatologists may serve as the primary treating specialist 4
Referral to Specialized Centers
Patients with systemic sclerosis should be referred to specialized scleroderma centers due to the disease heterogeneity, complexity of diagnostic evaluation, and wide array of treatment options 2
The multisystem nature of systemic sclerosis requires coordination with multiple subspecialists (pulmonologists for lung disease, cardiologists for pulmonary hypertension, gastroenterologists for GI involvement, nephrologists for renal crisis), but the rheumatologist typically coordinates this multidisciplinary care 1