Application of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma with skin ulcer: a case report

Background: Juvenile Localized Scleroderma (JLS) is a rare pediatric rheumatic disease characterized by inflammation and skin sclerosis. The side effect of consensus-recommended medications and the risk of disability posed challenges to the JLS treatment. We intend to demonstrate the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in treating JLS with skin ulcers and reducing the dose of glucocorticoid. Method: Here we report a case of a 13-year-old male with JLS who took oral methotrexate tablets of 10 mg/week and methylprednisolone of 6 mg/day for over six months without significant effect and suffered from skin ulcers on the dorsal feet one month after drug cessation. Subsequently, the patient was treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine of low-dose glucocorticosteroid, adjusted Shenqi Huoxue formula and Jinshe Xiaoyan formula, etc. Results: After integrated treatment, the patient’s dorsal feet ulcers healed and the skin sclerosis and hyperpigmentation improved significantly. Conclusions: This case report suggests that integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine can be used as an effective treatment for JLS.