Limited scleroderma also known as Crest Syndrome,is a condition that is related to toughening skin in the lower parts of the body. It is also possible that the facial areas and throat could be involved too.
The medical problems resulting from limited scleroderma are usually small. And for other people, it can be difficult to deal with, and life-limiting.
Scleroderma whether limited or not, has no cure as of yet.
Common symptoms of Limited Scleroderma are:
1. The skin becomes very tight and not flexible.
2. Spots that are red will appear on the skin, or lines may appear. These are painless.
3. The skin is often bumpy and forms calcium deposits underneath. This is true in the areas of the knees and fingers.
4. GERD and also trouble with the swallowing mechanism is hard for people with scleroderma.
Causes of Limited Scleroderma are not fully understood. It is an autoimmune type of disease. If you are having other autoimmune diseases, this one is more likely to form as well.
Other factors that enter into the equation are being exposed to toxic chemicals. Genetics also can play a role too.
There can be a myriad of complications from limited scleroderma. People that have this disease often have multiple gastrointestinal problems. These include things like constipation and diarrhea. An weight loss for no reason may also occur along with feeling bloated after eating. Since the body doesn’t often process needed vitamins from tissues with this disorder, malnutrition may also occur.
The appearance of ulcers on the extremeties is not an uncommon complication of Limited Scleroderma. These ulcers are also not easily cured.
Since Limited Scleroderma causes tissue problems within the blood, blood vessels become very constricted and can develop a gangrene condition. Gangrene may require amputations.
Limited Scleroderma causes lung problems. One of the resulting lung problems might be pulmonary hypertension. This condition causes your lungs to work harder along with your heart, causing the respiratory system to become very fragile.
The teeth suffer as well. Since the saliva production is greatly reduced by scleroderma, this promotes the decaying of teeth.
To diagnose scleroderma, doctors will run a series of blood tests which show antibodies. There are certain types of antibodies that are present in people with scleroderma.
The skin is also closely looked at before diagnosing scleroderma. A skin biopsy might be a helpful diagnostic tool, but they don’t always confirm that a person has scleroderma.
People with scleroderma will be treated with many therapies. Gastrointestinal symptoms will be treated will antacids to help the GERD which is often a problem with this disease.
A lot of physical therapy will be recommended to help the joints stay more flexible.
Drugs for hypertension will be given to decrease the blood pressure as well as immunosuppressive drugs which in turn helps the lungs and lower the pressure.
People that have this disorder have a lot to deal with. You will probably be advised to change your diet so that foods are easily swallowed and to help the heartburn problems.
Keep the body temperature warm. People with scleroderma are very sensitive to any cold at all.
Using gentle skin cleansers are helpful to skin. Avoid anything harsh, and use soap that also has moisturizers in it.
Brushing the teeth is also very important, and to do it often. Doctors may also give medications to help you create saliva.
