CREST SYNDROME (Limited Scleroderma)

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CREST SYNDROME (Limited Scleroderma)

• By Aubrey Chinberg

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Description

• Scleroderma affects a persons skin, blood
  vessels, muscles and internal organs
• It is an autoimmune disorder .
• Autoimmune disorders cause the immune to attack
  and destroy healthy body tissue.

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SCIENTIFIC DESCRIPTION

• Limited Scleroderma causes the immune system to
  stimulate the production of collagen, causing
  buildup around organs which impairs their
  functions.

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE CREST SYNDROME?

• Symptoms usually develop gradually, but if you
  have any of the following symptoms, see your
  doctor immediately.
• 1. Bumps under skin, mainly found on
  elbows, fingers and knees
• 2. Red lines or spots on the skin (these are
  usually not painful)
• 3. Raynauds Phenomenon blood vessels in
  fingers and toes spasm due to cold or stress,
  blocking blood flow.

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HOW CAN I BE TREATED?

• Surgery is also an option for such symptoms as
  calcium deposits, which need to be surgically
  removed.
• Even though there is no known cure, your doctor
  may give you drugs that will lessen your
  symptoms. Drugs such as
• 1.Antacid Drugs which reduce production of
  stomach acid
• 2. Blood Pressure Lowering Drugs which will
  increase blood flow to your toes and fingers
• 3.Drugs to suppress the immune system

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WORST CASE SCENARIO

• If you are experiencing any of these symptoms,
  make an appointment with your doctor right away.
  Without medical treatment, scleroderma will
  progress and go on to cause the following
  complications
• 1.Arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythms
• 2. Ulcers on fingers and toes
• 3. Scarring of the heart tissue
• 4. Death

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AM I LIKELY TO GET SCLERODERMA?

• Women are more likely to get Scleroderma
• Women of African and Choctaw Indian descent are
  much more likely than women of European descent.
• If anyone in your family has an autoimmune
  disease, you are more likely to have Scleroderma
• Toxic substances, such as polyvinyl chloride,
  benzene, silica and trichloroethylene, may
  trigger scleroderma in people with a genetic
  predisposition to the disease.

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SOURCES

• http//www.mayoclinic.com/health/crest-syndrome/DS
  00580
• http//www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/
  crest-syndrome
• http//www.google.com/search?qcrestsyndromeoeu
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