CREST syndrome is a connective tissue disorder and a limited form of systemic sclerosis.
Often, it causes thickening and/or hardening of the skin and internal organs.
Other names for CREST syndrome are limited cutaneoussystemic sclerosisor limited scleroderma.
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This rareconnective tissuedisease becomes more serious as it progresses to systemic disease.
Affected Systems
Systemic sclerosis affects a number of body systemsnot just one area.
For skin, this will appear as a visible thickening or hardening.
For other organs, the effect can be more difficult to see.
In short, systemic sclerosis causes the lining, or skin of organs to harden and not function well.
Symptoms of CREST Syndrome
Symptoms of CRESTcan vary based on the body system being affected.
A genetic predisposition to this can be inherited or happen spontaneously.
It may come over time after diagnosis of a number of the conditions associated with the syndrome.
The first step is for your healthcare provider to do a physical assessment.
Also, different organs require different management.
There is no universal treatment for the conditions included in CREST syndrome, but early diagnosis is helpful.
Some treatment options include:
Ask your healthcare provider for specific advice to manage your particular symptoms.
A healthy diet and exercise regimen may also help keep CREST Syndrome under control.
Effects on the heart and lungs are major causes of mortality in CREST.
If you have CREST, your healthcare provider should carefully monitor your condition with anechocardiogramandpulmonary function testing.
If you have CREST, focus on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Developing a close relationship with your healthcare provider may help keep your sclerosis from progressing to organ failure.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Scleroderma.
