Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

CREST Syndrome and Scleroderma

The symptoms involved in CREST syndrome are associated with the generalized form of the disease s ystemic sclerosis (scleroderma). CREST is an acronym for the clinical features that are seen in a patient with this disease.

• "C" stands for calcinosis, where calcium deposits form under the skin on the fingers or other areas of the body.
• "R" stands for Raynaud's phenomenon, spasm of blood vessels in the fingers or toes in response to cold or stress.
• "E" represents esophageal dysmotility, which can cause difficulty in swallowing.
• "S" is for sclerodactyly, tightening of the skin over the fingers which may cause the fingers to bend.
• "T" is for telangiectasia, dilated blood vessels that look like spiders on the skin of the fingers, face, or inside of the mouth.