The Word CREST Was Formed As Follows. C stands for calcinosis which refers to the calcium deposits in tissues and beneath the skin. R stands for Raynaud’s phenomenon. E stands for esophageal dysmotility that usually causes heartburn, commonly experienced by CREST patients. S stands for sclerodactyly which is referred to as the thick skin on the fingers. T stands for telangiectasias, which refers to enlarged blood vessels. Appearance of red color spots on the face and other regions.CREST syndrome is a kind of autoimmune disorder.

An autoimmune disorder is a condition in which the immune system of the body starts attacking and destroying its own healthy tissues. CREST syndrome is a disorder of the connective tissue. CREST syndrome is a condition in which changes occur in the muscles, internal organs, skin, and blood vessels of the body. CREST Syndrome or Systemic Sclerosis Is Broadly Classified Into Two Types. Limited Scleroderma: Limited scleroderma affects the limited areas of skin.

Crest Syndrome. This is very rare disease with apparently no cure. Attention All WebMD Community Members: These message boards are closed to posting. Please head on over to our new WebMD Message Boards to.

Skin of the face or fingers becomes thick. Limited scleroderma is very frequent among Caucasians when compared to other people. Symptoms of limited scleroderma vary with different individuals.

Few of the common symptoms are cold intolerance, acid reflux, and teleangiectasia. Organs of the body like heart or lungs are generally not involved or even if involved will be to a very lesser degree. Diffuse Scleroderma: Diffuse scleroderma affects many areas of the skin by thickening the skin but symptoms vary to a large extent. Diffuse scleroderma may involve the skin of the legs, trunk, and arms. Tightening of the skin often creates difficulty while bending the hands, fingers, and other joints.

Inflammation of the tendons, muscles and joints also occur in some cases of diffuse scleroderma. Tight skin on the face often reduces the size of an individual’s mouth and requires special attention towards dental care. Areas on the skin may get dark or light depending upon the changes in the skin pigment. Loss of hair on the limbs, development of dry skin, and less sweat is experienced due to the damaged skin.

Diffuse scleroderma may also affect the internal organs like the lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and heart. Epidemiology of CREST Syndrome or Systemic SclerosisThe recorded ratio of male and female is found as 1:10,000 in females and 4:1 in males. CREST syndrome usually affects people between the age group of 25 to 55 years, however the disease may affect at any age. CREST syndrome is very rare among children.

Females are more prone to CREST syndrome when compared to males. Worldwide ratio of males and females in CREST syndrome is recorded as 1:4.6. In United States women of African descent often get affected with CREST syndrome when compared to the women of European descent. Choctaw Native Americans also cover higher rates of CREST syndrome than other races. AdvertisementThe exact cause of CREST syndrome is unknown. CREST syndrome is suspected to be an autoimmune disorder.

This happens when the body’s immune system starts producing autoimmune antibodies in order to attack its own healthy tissues. Individuals who often develop too much collagen in their skin and other organs tend to get affected with CREST syndrome. Generally CREST syndrome affects people in the age group of 25 to 55 years. CREST syndrome also may affect large regions of the skin and organs like lungs, kidneys and heart.

Medications for CREST Syndrome or Systemic Sclerosis. Antacid Drugs: Antacid drugs are often prescribed in case of heartburn, caused due to CREST syndrome. Antacid drugs help in reducing the production of stomach acid. Blood Pressure Lowering Drugs: Blood pressure lowering drugs that are used in increasing circulation may not only help in relieving Raynaud’s symptoms but also reduce increased pressure in the arteries between the lungs and heart. Immunosuppressants: Drugs to suppress the immune system help in preventing interstitial lung disease, a disorder in which excess collagen collects in the tissues between the lungs i.e., air sacs in CREST syndrome. This article on Epainassist.com has been reviewed by a medical professional, as well as checked for facts, to assure the readers the best possible accuracy.We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism.

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