Crest syndrome & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is CREST syndrome?

CREST syndrome, also known as limited scleroderma, is a widespread connective tissue disease with the main symptoms of problems with the skin, blood vessels, skeletal muscles and internal organs. The symptoms of CREST syndrome are often associated with a common form of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). CREST itself stands for clinical conditions that accompany patients, namely Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of CREST syndrome?

The following are the symptoms of CREST syndrome.

• Calcinosis are painful lumps on the skin that contain calcium, usually on the fingers or other parts of the body.
• Raynaud's phenomenon, that is, your skin turns slightly white or cold when you are stressed or cold. This is caused by disruption of blood flow.
• Esophageal (esophageal) dysfunction which is characterized by difficulty swallowing or rising stomach acid (reflux / GERD).
• Sclerodactylynamely, the skin on the fingers and toes feels tight and stiff so that it is difficult to move or bend it.
• Telangiectasia, which is characterized by reddish spots or spots on the hands, palms, face, and lips due to dilation of blood vessels.

People with CREST syndrome usually experience at least two of the symptoms listed above.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you are concerned about any symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above or any other questions, talk to your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes CREST syndrome?

The immune system (immune) of people with CREST syndrome appears to stimulate fibroblasts to produce excessive amounts of collagen. Ideally, fibroblasts produce collagen to aid in wound healing.

However, in this case, collagen protein is still produced even though the body is not in need of it. As a result, a thick connective tissue is formed around the skin cells, blood vessels, and internal organs.

Risk factors

What are the risk factors for CREST syndrome?

The following are risk factors for CREST syndrome:

• Genetic factors, for example having a family member with an autoimmune disease
• Female gender
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins such as benzene, silica, and polyvinyl chloride will increase the risk for people who already have genetic factors

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is CREST syndrome diagnosed?

CREST syndrome is quite difficult to diagnose. The signs and symptoms are different and are similar to those of other diseases. In addition, this syndrome also sometimes occurs together with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatism.

The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of characteristic symptoms (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia). Other tests that can confirm the diagnosis include:

• A blood test to test for antibodies that are usually found in people with CREST syndrome. However, this test is not 100 percent accurate because many people with this syndrome do not have certain antibodies.
• A skin biopsy is required for laboratory tests. However, this analysis is also not completely accurate.
• Other tests include checking for complications of the lung, heart and digestive system. The doctor may diagnose calcinosis through a scan (scan).

What are the treatment options for CREST syndrome?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for CREST syndrome. This condition has psychological and physical impacts, so a holistic approach is very important in its treatment.

Calcinosis

Calcium deposits that are too large or painful may be removed surgically. If the damage to the skin (for example in a finger) is severe, you may also need an amputation. Prescription medications can include:

• Corticoids drink or topically
• Probenecid
• Diltiazem
• Warfarin
• Aluminum hydroxide
• Bisphosphonate
• Minocycline
• Colchicine

Raynaud's phenomenon

• Reduce and stay away from risk factors such as smoking and using beta-blocker drugs.
• Teaches hand and body warm techniques.
• Provide calcium channel blockers
• Adding nitroglycerin paste to the top (if needed)

Esophageal disorders

Treatment of esophageal dysmotility and acid reflux (GERD) in CREST syndrome patients may be helpful. Treatment may include behavior changes, H2 blocker medications, and dilation of the esophagus in serious cases (such as being unable to swallow or food getting back into the mouth).

Sclerodactyly

Treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), D-penicillamine, IFN-gamma, cyclosporine, and cytostatics.

Telangiectasia

Telangiectasia on the face appears to be treated quite effectively with pulsed-dye laser treatment. However, this has not been studied further by experts in patients with NSAIDs. Treatment can be a combination of estrogen-progesterone, desmopressin, and sclerotherapy.

In order to prevent difficulty moving, stretching exercises for the joints are very important. The therapist can help you with what movements and exercises can help with each condition. Meanwhile, if your condition no longer allows you to perform daily tasks, occupational therapy can help you adjust. For example, to brush your teeth, wear clothes, and so on. Some people may need surgery.

Depression can lurk about 45 percent of patients with systemic sclerosis and 64 percent of them also experience anxiety. Therefore, the patient's mental condition must be continuously monitored.

To reduce pain, a number of studies have shown that oxycodone is effective and safe enough to treat pain due to skin damage. Meanwhile, topical lidocaine (topical) can help with pain due to systemic scleroderma.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat CREST syndrome?

The following lifestyle and home remedies may help treat CREST syndrome:

• To reduce Raynaud's symptoms, wear gloves when it's cold or when you want to fetch something in the refrigerator.
• Wear warm clothes at night and when it is cold or windy.
• Stop smoking so that blood vessels are not further damaged.
• Eat something soft, soup, and easy to swallow if you have trouble swallowing food.
• Overcoming increased reflux of stomach acid, for example by eating regularly but not immediately and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid using soaps, detergents, or other products with chemicals that are harsh enough on the skin. It is also not recommended that you take a hot shower. If you want, take a shower with only lukewarm water.
• To treat skin and respiratory problems, make sure the air around you is not too dry with assistance air humidifier aka the air humidifier machine.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.