Scleroderma Treatment in Sacramento & the Bay Area
Scleroderma is a rare and complex autoimmune disease that can affect virtually every system in the body — and managing it well requires a specialist with both the expertise and the time to truly understand your case. At Premier Medical Concierge, we provide expert, personalized scleroderma care delivered directly to your home, so you can access the focused, attentive treatment this condition demands without the burden of frequent clinic visits.
What Is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma — also known as systemic sclerosis — is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the overproduction of collagen, leading to hardening and thickening of the skin and connective tissues. In its systemic forms, scleroderma can also affect the blood vessels and internal organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
Scleroderma is classified into two main types based on the extent of skin and organ involvement:
Limited Cutaneous Scleroderma (lcSSc) — Skin thickening is limited to the hands, arms below the elbow, and face. Often associated with CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia). Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a significant concern.
Diffuse Cutaneous Scleroderma (dcSSc) — More extensive skin involvement affecting the trunk and upper arms, with a higher risk of early and severe internal organ disease including interstitial lung disease and kidney crisis.
Common symptoms of scleroderma include:
Raynaud's phenomenon — fingers and toes turning white or blue in response to cold or stress
Skin thickening, tightening, and hardening
Swollen, puffy fingers in the early stages
Joint pain and stiffness
Difficulty swallowing and acid reflux (esophageal involvement)
Shortness of breath and dry cough (lung involvement)
Fatigue and general unwellness
Calcinosis — calcium deposits under the skin
Telangiectasias — small dilated blood vessels visible on the skin
High blood pressure and kidney complications (scleroderma renal crisis)
Because scleroderma can involve multiple organ systems simultaneously, comprehensive and vigilant monitoring by a rheumatologist is essential to catch complications early and protect your long-term health.
How Dr. Kim Treats Scleroderma
Dr. Joey Kim is a board-certified rheumatologist with over 12 years of experience managing rare and complex autoimmune diseases, including systemic sclerosis. Voted one of Sacramento Magazine's Top Doctors every year from 2021 to 2025, Dr. Kim brings both clinical depth and genuine compassion to every scleroderma patient he treats.
He understands that scleroderma is not a condition that can be managed with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient's disease is unique — in its distribution, its pace of progression, and its organ involvement — and every treatment plan must reflect that individuality.
Your personalized scleroderma treatment plan may include:
Immunosuppressive therapies to slow skin and lung disease progression
Medications to manage Raynaud's phenomenon and protect the blood vessels
Proton pump inhibitors and motility agents for gastrointestinal involvement
Antihypertensive therapy for kidney protection and scleroderma renal crisis prevention
Acupuncture for pain, Raynaud's management, and overall wellness support
Regular monitoring of lung function, kidney function, heart function, and skin involvement
Coordination with pulmonologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, and nephrologists as needed
Lifestyle and nutritional guidance to support vascular and immune health
Dr. Kim monitors your disease with the vigilance it requires, tracking subtle changes over time and adjusting your treatment plan before complications arise — all from the comfort of your home.
The Premier Medical Concierge Difference: Care That Comes to You
Scleroderma often makes everyday physical tasks more difficult — and traveling to specialist appointments can add significant strain to an already challenging daily reality. Premier Medical Concierge eliminates that barrier by bringing expert rheumatology care directly to your home throughout Sacramento County, San Joaquin County, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
What in-home rheumatology care means for you:
Same-day and next-day appointments available
No travel, no waiting rooms, no physical strain to access the care you need
Unrushed appointments with a physician who knows your full medical history
Direct access to Dr. Kim between visits when new symptoms emerge
Proactive organ monitoring without leaving your home
Seamless coordination with your entire care team across specialties
Consistent, relationship-based care built around your long-term health and wellbeing
For scleroderma patients managing a complex, multi-system disease, having a dedicated specialist come to you is not just a convenience — it is an essential part of getting the best possible care.
Ready to Get the Expert Scleroderma Care You Deserve?
Scleroderma is rare and complex — but with the right specialist, proactive monitoring, and a personalized treatment plan, its progression can be meaningfully managed. Dr. Kim and the Premier Medical Concierge team are here to protect your health, stay ahead of complications, and support your quality of life every step of the way.
Schedule a complimentary phone consultation today.