CREST syndrome: a variant of systemic sclerosis.

A variant of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), CREST syndrome affects a relatively small number of patients. CREST (also called limited cutaneous scleroderma) has a more favorable prognosis than the diffuse form of scleroderma. However, as with most of the connective tissue diseases, the daily issues faced by patients are frequently difficult to manage and require diligent support from the health care team. This article summarizes the clinical manifestations and potential management plan to help the patient cope with this little-understood syndrome. The nursing care model follows a problem-oriented approach for nursing management.