Raynaud’s and Scleroderma

Dermatol Monatsschr. 1990;176(11):683-6.

Mild infrared A hyperthermia in treatment of systemic scleroderma

Meffert H, Buchholtz I, Brenke A.

Klinik und Poliklinik für Hautkrankheiten, Bereichs Medizin (Charité) der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Abstract

Seven female systemic sclerosis patients (all from acrosclerosis type, with intestinal involvement, and marked Raynaud phenomenon) were treated with infrared A whole body irradiations (wavelengths between 800 and 1,400 nm, 12 W/dm2 maximally). The single exposure lasted for 30 minutes and resulted in an 0.9 degrees C rise of central body temperature. Acral skin rewarming became regular immediately after irradiation and kept improved, as compared with pre-treatment values, for at least 18 weeks. All the patients told about a comfortable feeling of warmth after each treatment lasting for one two days. Three out of the seven reported lower frequency and severity of Raynaud attacks.