Practical survey on the use of herbal medicine by patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare disease with no aetiological treatment. In this context, and with the development of alternative or complementary medicine, patients may be tempted to use therapies that have not been scientifically evaluated.

The aim was to carry out a one-off survey of phytotherapy practices among SSc patients.

Out of 33 patients, 23 responded to the questionnaire, 8 said they used complementary medicines (yoga, acupuncture, etc.). Nine patients reported using phytotherapy (4 essential oils, 1 herbal tea, 2 Bach flowers, 3 vegetable oils, 3 gemmotherapy). The average efficacy score given was 7.2/10 (ranging from 4 to 10) and the average monthly cost was approximately 65 euros.

The survey revealed the use of 'adaptogenic' plants (blackcurrant, Asian ginseng), healing plants (helichrysum, cistus), plants improving skin suppleness (helichrysum, cistus, argan, evening primrose, borage), anti-infective plants (thyme, tea tree, ravintsara, clove), plants to aid digestion (walnut, fig, propolis, spirulina), anti-stress plants (Rescue blend, unspecified Bach flowers) and plants to combat pain and headaches (arnica, wintergreen, mint). A priori, there were no risky practices and no identifiable toxicity.

The practices reported were numerous and heterogeneous, although practitioners are not always aware of them. This point should be addressed more systematically during conventional medical management. The potential benefits for skin disorders could be explored further.