CREST SYNDROME (LIMITED

SCLERODERMA)By: Aubrey Chinberg

Description

Scleroderma affects a person’s skin, blood vessels, muscles and internal organs

It is an autoimmune disorder . Autoimmune disorders cause the immune

to attack and destroy healthy body tissue.

SCIENTIFIC DESCRIPTION

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

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. Raynaud’s Phenomenon: blood vessels in fingers and toes spasm due to cold or stress, blocking blood flow.

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

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

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.

SOURCES

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crest-syndrome/DS00580

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/crest-syndrome

http://www.google.com/search?q=crest+syndrome&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&surl=1&safe=active&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=800&bih=497