Definition:
Limited scleroderma is a condition that affects the body's connective tissue specifically only on the skin of the lower arms and legs, neck and face. It is also called CREST syndrome.
Diagnosis:
The doctor takes the patient's complete medical history and performs a physical exam to look for changes in the texture, color, and appearance of the skin. Skin samples may be take for microscopic examination in a laboratory but may not be conclusive. Patients may also undergo laboratory tests to look for antibodies often found in the blood. The doctor may also recommend additional tests to identify any lung, heart, or gastrointestinal complications to identify limited scleroderma.
Treatment:
Limited scleroderma cannot be cured. But treatment through medical and nonmedical therapies has effectively managed the condition's signs and symptoms. Other treatments include calcinosis, vasodilator, and topical nitroglycerin.
Symptoms and Signs:
Limited scleroderma has a distinct set of characteristics that include calcinosis, raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia.
Causes:
Excessive collagen is most likely the main cause of limited scleroderma. But researchers also suspect other factors such as genetic makeup, pregnancy, hormones, and environmental factors.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
