Is this possibly lupus?

[curiousindi]

Hi everyone, Ive recently been getting these lesions on my fingers. They begin as pain under the skin then evolve into being painful to touch and red. I've been a lot more tired lately, but maybe that's coincidence too! Wondering if this is possibly lupus or perhaps something else?

[Barnclown]

hello curiousindi. Are you diagnosed with lupus or any other connective tissue or autoimmune disorder? I ask because the lesions under your skin in your photo ( it’s a very good snap) look very like some I have had for years now….& mine feel very like what you’ve described.

I’m no expert, but have done enough research in official medical publications to realise diagnosing these sort of ‘finger lesions’ can be a very complicated task. E.g. these can ‘just be chilblains’, or they can be indicators of an underlying condition.

For what it’s worth, my dermatologist & rheumatologist believe my version of these lesions is due to the rare version of lupus I was born with 70 years ago: Chilblain Lupus Erythematosus. Over the decades this segued into Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, as does happen with some cases of cutaneous lupus.

Anyway, with the right self help/lifestyle techniques + pharmaceutical treatments, my version of these lesions settled down enough to be less dreadfully swollen, inflamed & painful after my rheumatologist tried adjusting my combined therapy oral lupus meds a few years ago. But I still get these lesions, only they are much less troubling. My consultants have me use the very strong topical steroid dermovate ( clobetasol )on these lesions as needed.

Glad you posted! Keep taking these great photos

Will be following your discussion with interest! 💞💞💞💞 Coco

[Barnclown in reply to Barnclown]

PS this official website is one of THE BEST & MOST RESPECTED in the world on skin manifestations, so here is the link to its info on Chilblain Lupus Erythematosus:

dermnetnz.org/topics/chilbl...

[Krazykat26]

Yes I get these too. Mine tend to appear on the joins on the inside of my hand and on the inside of my index finger. What I mean is by your pic I would say that's the outside of your finger..mine happens on the other side so between forefinger and middle finger. First becomes inflamed n hot to touch and then they crack open and weep..sometimes bleed too. I currently have three fingers affected like this and all three if them are cracked.

I was diagnosed with Subacute cutaneous lupus in 2017 when my hands n soles of my feet became ulcerated as I had been trying to treat them myself.

Currently I'm on meds to help control the lupus but these lesions never seem to go completely so I'm always battling them to some degree.

You've taken a good photo there.keep it to show to your doctor. Keeping a symptom diary is handy too so you can record when they are happening, how you're feeling generally and any other symptoms. This helps us to prep before appts so we can use the time wisely.

Probably one of the first things a doctor would check is if you've changed soap, washing powder etc to see if it's allergy related. I am unable to use soap due to the chemicals so I'm prescribed Dermol 500 lotion to wash with. I have to wear vinyl gloves inside rubber gloves to wash up. I use this as a good excuse for staying away from the sink! 😹 I use Dermovate ointment on the lesions when they crack open and I apply some Atruaman gauze and then a plaster over the top. 💜🌈Xx