When five specific diseases could be showing symptoms on different body systems, the diagnosis pending might be CREST Syndrome. These five areas include the skin, hands, feet, connective tissues of internal organs, and the esophagus. CREST is an acronym: calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia. Other names used to describe this condition are limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis or limited scleroderma.
C – Calcinosis: Calcium deposits can be seen on the skin forming.
R – Raynaud’s phenomenon: The hands and feet respond abnormally when it is cold and when anxiety occurs. Fingers and toes turn blue because blood vessels are narrowing.
E – Esophageal dysmotility: Lining muscles in the esophagus don’t move and function normally.
S – Sclerodactyly: Skin can get thick and tight on hands because extra collagen deposits are present.
T – Telangiectasia: Red spots that are very tiny can be seen on the face and hands because blood vessels are dilated in those areas.
The symptoms that arise from the areas affected can include some or all the following: heartburn, persistent cough, joint pain, fatigue, itchy skin, difficulty swallowing, skin hardening, dry skin, hair loss, bloating, ulcers on fingertips/toes, discoloration of skin, neuropathies, fecal incomitance, and/or voice hoarseness.
Females and African Americans are the most affected by CREST. There may be autoimmune and/or genetic factors that increase the risk of causing CREST. Other triggers or environmental factors may include silica dust exposure, tobacco/drug use, some medications, Parvovirus, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and/or exposure solvent and other chemicals.
Signs for diagnosis and what a medical professional may look for could be tightening of skin around the mouth, white bumps on the skin, puffy or swollen fingers, and/or pitting on the fingertips. Additional labs and imaging can be done as well. There is no exact cure for CREST. Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help. Eating foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, exercise, turmeric, ginger, mindfulness, relaxation, moisturizing, apple cider vinegar and baking soda baths, and regular baths with salt and vinegar can all be incorporated to help alleviate symptoms and detoxify the body.
The body communicates pain/discomfort to signal something is not functioning/operating normally in the body. Understanding causation, especially with autoimmune disorders, can be frustrating and mysterious at first. Advocating and finding solutions to keep quality of life as best as possible is essential. CREST may not have an exact treatment, but it also cannot be ignored. Healthy lifestyle choices are always beneficial, and we have to keep in mind that our body takes care of us when we take care of it.
CREST syndrome, a case report – Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
CREST syndrome | Postgraduate Medical Journal | Oxford Academic
Extensive Calcinosis Cutis in Limited Cutaneous Scleroderma | The Journal of Rheumatology