Limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome)

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

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Definition

Limited scleroderma, or CREST syndrome, is a condition affecting your connective tissue. Connective tissue is a kind of cellular glue — it's found outside your cells and supports and gives form to tissues and organs throughout your body.

Because it's so pervasive and varied, connective tissue can give rise to a multitude of disorders. One is limited scleroderma, previously known as CREST syndrome. Experts who treat limited scleroderma have mostly stopped using the term "CREST syndrome," because it doesn't accurately reflect all aspects of the disorder. While limited scleroderma usually affects your skin and blood vessels, it can also affect your digestive tract and can cause serious heart and lung disorders.

For some people, the problems caused by limited scleroderma are minor. For others, limited scleroderma can be life altering and even fatal. The disease has no known cure, and treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing serious complications.

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Symptoms