Title: Scleroderma Symptoms - Scleroderma Education Project
Headings: Scleroderma Symptoms
Scleroderma Symptoms
Clinical Features – General
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Skin Changes
Telangiectasias
Calcinosis
Puffy Fingers
Miscellaneous
Musculoskeletal (Muscles and Joints)
Pulmonary (Lungs)
Gastrointestinal
Cardiac (Heart)
Renal (Kidney)
Sexual Dysfunction
Other Symptoms

Content: Many patients with limited scleroderma eventually develop a cluster of symptoms that are listed using the acronym CREST. CREST is an acronym for calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia. Calcinosis is the abnormal accumulation of calcium salts under the skin and in many other organs. It presents as small, localized, hard masses on fingers, forearms, or other pressure points. Raynaud’s phenomenon is characterized by the intermittent loss of blood to various parts of the body – particularly the fingers, toes, nose, and/or ears after exposure to cold and causes tingling sensations, numbness, and/or pain. This can result in ulceration and necrosis of the fingertips and in some severe cases, lead to amputation of the affected digits. Dysfunction of the lower esophagus results in chronic heartburn and possible esophageal scarring. If the heartburn symptoms are not well controlled, the repeated acid exposure can eventually lead to a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition. The esophagus may eventually have areas that are narrowed and swallowing may become difficult. The small intestine may also lose the ability to push food through to the large intestine leading to malabsorption and increased bacterial growth in the small intestine.