Limited scleroderma
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Limited scleroderma, also known as CREST syndrome, is one subtype of scleroderma — a condition whose name means “hardened skin.”
The skin changes associated with limited scleroderma typically occur only in the lower arms and legs, below the elbows and knees, and sometimes affect the face and neck. Limited scleroderma can also affect your digestive tract, heart, lungs or kidneys.
The problems caused by limited scleroderma may be minor. Sometimes, however, the disease affects the lungs or heart, with potentially serious results. Limited scleroderma has no known cure. Treatments focus on managing symptoms, preventing serious complications and improving quality of life.
In limited scleroderma, dry ulcers can develop on fingers and toes. The skin can become taut and shiny. Also, dilated blood vessels can collect on the surface of the skin.
Raynaud’s disease is a vascular disorder that causes intermittent interruption of blood flow to the extremities. The affected body part may turn white or blue and feel cold and numb until circulation improves.
Telangiectasias are permanently dilated small blood vessels. They can develop externally in the skin and may appear as a group of red lines.
While some varieties of scleroderma occur rapidly, signs and symptoms of limited scleroderma usually develop gradually. They include:
Raynaud’s phenomena. This condition occurs when small blood vessels in your fingers and toes spasm in response to cold or emotional stress, blocking the flow of blood. In most people, the skin turns white before becoming blue, cold and numb.
When circulation improves, the skin usually reddens and might throb or tingle. Raynaud’s phenomena is often the first sign of limited scleroderma, but many people who have Raynaud’s never develop scleroderma.
Early detection of limited scleroderma can help prevent serious complications. See your doctor if you have any indications of the condition.
The cause isn’t known, but limited scleroderma is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which your immune system turns against your body. The immune system appears to stimulate the production of too much collagen, a key component of connective tissue. This overproduction of collagen builds up in the skin and internal organs so that they don’t function normally.
The visible signs of limited scleroderma — tight, thick skin on your fingers, hands and face — can change your appearance; make everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or shaving, more difficult; and affect your speech. But the most serious complications tend to occur beneath your skin.
Lung damage. Limited scleroderma can cause a variety of problems with your lungs. In some cases, excess collagen collects in the tissue between the lungs’ air sacs, making the lung tissue stiffer and less able to work properly.
Increased blood pressure in the arteries between your heart and lungs makes the heart work harder and eventually weakens it.
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Limited scleroderma
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