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Rheumatology  ·  Nephrology  ·  MVP Colony

Scleroderma Treatment in Visakhapatnam

Care for skin tightening, Raynaud's and the lungs and kidneys — with regular organ checks.

Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli — MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology), CMC Vellore · Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274
Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas — MD (Pediatrics), DM (Nephrology), PDF Renal Transplantation, CMC Vellore · Reg. No: APMC/FMR/102018

Raynaud's & ulcer careLung screeningBP & kidney watch
Book Appointment Online Call: 91824 19306 WhatsApp
Doctor's direct line — Dr. Nagamounika: +91 91821 19306  ·  Dr. Sri Charan: +91 83091 19306
At a glanceCommon signs
Tight skin
White/blue fingers
Finger ulcers
Breathlessness
Acidity
Sudden high BP
Symptoms & tests ↓
🤝
Two specialists
Rheumatology + Nephrology
🏛️
CMC Vellore
Super-specialty training
📅
Book online
Pay at the clinic
🕘
Mon – Sat
MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam

Who treats Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) in Visakhapatnam?

At MRKC, Visakhapatnam, scleroderma is managed by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli. A sudden rise in BP with falling kidney function (scleroderma renal crisis) is an emergency, so nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas is involved in BP and kidney care.

What is Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)?

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease in which the body makes too much collagen (scar tissue). The skin becomes thick and tight, usually starting in the fingers and face. It can also affect the blood vessels, lungs, gut, heart and kidneys.

Almost everyone with scleroderma has Raynaud's phenomenon — the fingers turn white, then blue and red in the cold or with stress. There is a limited type (mainly hands and face) and a diffuse type (more widespread skin and a higher chance of organ involvement).

ℹ️
Check your BP at home. In some patients, especially early in diffuse scleroderma, BP can rise suddenly and damage the kidneys. Checking BP at home a few times a week and reporting any sudden rise, headache or reduced urine is very important.

Who does what in your care

Rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli

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DiagnosisConfirms the disease and its activity with examination and antibody tests.
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Whole-body treatmentImmune-calming medicines for skin, joints, blood and other organs.
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Long-term follow-upFlare checks, steroid tapering, bone care and pregnancy planning.

Nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas

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Kidney checksUrine protein, creatinine, eGFR and kidney ultrasound.
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Kidney biopsy decisionsWhen and why a biopsy is needed, and what it shows.
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Kidney protectionBP and protein control, kidney-safe medicine doses.

Common symptoms

  • Fingers turning white or blue in the cold (Raynaud's)
  • Puffy fingers, then tight, shiny skin on the hands, face or arms
  • Painful sores or pits on the fingertips
  • Difficulty opening the mouth wide
  • Heartburn, difficulty swallowing, bloating or loose motions
  • Dry cough or breathlessness on walking
  • Joint pain and stiffness

⚠️ See a doctor soon if you notice

Do not wait for your next appointment. For an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.

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Sudden high BPWith headache or blurred vision
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Less urineOr rising creatinine
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Black fingertipInfected or dying finger ulcer
😮‍💨
Worsening breathlessnessPossible lung involvement
Call 91824 19306

Tests that help

Not every patient needs every test. The doctor chooses tests based on your symptoms and old reports.

  • ANA with scleroderma antibodies (anti-Scl-70, anti-centromere, anti-RNA polymerase III)
  • Nailfold capillaroscopy to look at small vessels
  • High-resolution CT (HRCT) chest and lung function tests
  • Echocardiogram to check lung BP (pulmonary hypertension)
  • Serum creatinine, urine routine and regular BP
  • Complete blood count and ESR/CRP

How we care for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) at MRKC

1

Confirm and stage

Antibody tests, skin scoring and organ screening show the type and which organs need watching.

2

Treat the blood vessels

Medicines for Raynaud's and finger ulcers, with advice on keeping warm.

3

Protect lungs, gut and kidneys

Immunosuppressants such as mycophenolate when skin or lungs are active; acidity medicines; BP and kidney monitoring with Dr. Sri Charan.

4

Yearly organ checks

Lung and heart screening every year, because early changes can be treated better.

Everyday tips

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Keep warm
Gloves, socks and warm clothes; avoid cold water for hands.
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Stop smoking
Smoking narrows blood vessels and worsens ulcers.
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Skin care
Moisturise daily and protect fingertips from injury.
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Small meals
Eat small meals and do not lie down soon after eating.

Frequently asked questions

Which doctor treats Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) in Visakhapatnam?
At MRKC, Visakhapatnam, scleroderma is managed by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli. A sudden rise in BP with falling kidney function (scleroderma renal crisis) is an emergency, so nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas is involved in BP and kidney care.
Is scleroderma the same as psoriasis or vitiligo?
No. Those are skin diseases. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of connective tissue that can affect internal organs, and it is treated by a rheumatologist.
Can the skin become soft again?
In many patients with diffuse scleroderma, skin thickening improves after the first few years, with or without treatment. Treatment aims to control activity and protect the organs.
Why is BP so important in scleroderma?
A sudden rise in BP can be a sign of scleroderma renal crisis, which can harm the kidneys quickly. It responds to prompt treatment with specific BP medicines, so report any rise early.
Is it hereditary?
Scleroderma is not passed directly from parent to child. Family members have only a slightly higher risk.
How do I book an appointment at MRKC?
Book online at mrkc.in/emr/book, or call / WhatsApp 91824 19306. You can pay at the clinic. Please bring all old reports and your current medicines.

తెలుగులో

స్క్లెరోడెర్మా (చర్మం గట్టిపడటం) కోసం విశాఖపట్నం, MVP కాలనీలోని MRKC లో రుమటాలజిస్ట్ డా. నాగమౌనిక కొత్తపల్లి మరియు నెఫ్రాలజిస్ట్ (కిడ్నీ స్పెషలిస్ట్) డా. గోలి శ్రీ చరణ్ నివాస్ గారిని సంప్రదించండి. అపాయింట్‌మెంట్ కోసం 91824 19306 కు కాల్ లేదా వాట్సాప్ చేయండి.

This page gives general health information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli (Rheumatologist, Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274) and Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas (Nephrologist, Reg. No: APMC/FMR/102018). Last reviewed: 27 October 2026.

Book a consultation for Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

With rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli and nephrologist Dr. Goli Sri Charan Nivas at MRKC, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam.

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