Overview of Limited Systemic Scleroderma

Limited systemic scleroderma was formerly known as CREST however the term is no longer used by experts, who were frustrated because many doctors were just diagnosing CREST and failing to identify further whether it was limited or diffuse scleroderma.

Limited scleroderma is a type of systemic scleroderma. It is when skin involvement is limited to the hands although the face and neck may also be involved. It can affect any part of the body, including the skin, blood vessels and/or internal organs.

It is diagnosed when there is tight skin limited to the fingers, along with either pitting digital ulcers secondary to Raynaud's and/or lung fibrosis.

It is considered to be a milder form of systemic scleroderma.

Limited scleroderma often causes Raynaud's and esophageal problems. Occasionally other internal organ involvement occurs but usually only after many years of the disease.

The onset and progression is usually very slow and the outlook in general is very good.

Limited scleroderma is still a systemic form of the disease and as it can affect the internal organs it is important to have symptoms treated as they arise and preferably by a recognised scleroderma expert.

Presented by Amanda Thorpe on behalf of the nonprofit International Scleroderma Network at sclero.org.

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