Something strange…

[Feelingpoorly]

Hi all

Something odd happened last night. During the night I woke several times due to my hands, fingers, thumbs and wrists on both hands being exceptionally itchy. My nails are quite long and I was scratching so hard I was sure that I would do damage to the skin but I couldn’t ignore the impulse. On one occasion when I woke up scratching I realised that my wedding band was really painfully tight! I eventually got the band off by using massive amounts of soap.

In my sleepy state I thought I’m going to wake and find I have developed psoriasis, eczema or a dermatitis rash but once morning arrived I found no rash and no damage but massively swollen sausage like fingers and thumbs on both hands and unable to make a fist. This has lasted all day although fortunately, there is little pain but extensive swelling persists this evening.

I don’t feel it’s bad enough to call my Rheumy team, as the day has gone on I’ve just made the assumption that it’s probably flare related and I’ve rested today and will wait for it to subside over the coming days but I wondered if anyone else has experienced something like this? any insight would be welcome.

Hope all you warriors are having a great day ♥️

[Deeb1764]

I get lots of itchy skin I take antihistamine on the bad days which lately has been every day. It has been put as could be fibro but sometimes RA. So it’s not unusual either apparently 🥰

[Feelingpoorly in reply to Deeb1764]

Thank you for your reply, i will certainly take antihistamines if it continues - I hadn’t thought of that ♥️

[J1707- in reply to Feelingpoorly]

I had to have my rings cut off and yes itching something shocking. I was originally diagnosed with RA now inflammatory Arthritis as sausage fingers is a sign of psoriatic arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis i crossover and have symptoms of all 3 . Take photos and show your rheumatologist ring and make an appointment. As Deeb said antihistamines ease the itching.

[Feelingpoorly in reply to J1707-]

Thank you for your reply - it’s amazing how once you have one autoimmune disease it opens the door to others! I honestly had no idea and I will certainly talk to my rheumy who I’m hoping to see in a October ♥️

[AgedCrone]

Do you have any neck problems….your symptoms could be associated with compressed nerves in your neck? Worth getting it checked ?

I have similar problems….especially the itching, I do find keeping hands/arms well moisturised helps a bit….…& originallly thought anti histamine helped…but it didn’t. I’m just awaiting more nerve compression tests to see if anything shows up.

[Feelingpoorly in reply to AgedCrone]

Oh that’s interesting as I have a bulging disc between c2 and c3 - fortunately stable right now but worth getting it checked out. Thank you ♥️

[AgedCrone in reply to Feelingpoorly]

I don’t wish neck problems on you…but if there is a problem it’s best found sooner than later.

[cyberbarn]

Sausage fingers is one of the signs of psoriatic arthritis.

[Feelingpoorly in reply to cyberbarn]

I’m sero negative and the consultant did mention that possibility a few years ago but I don’t have a rash - will mention it at my next review. Thanks for the reply ♥️

[J1707- in reply to Feelingpoorly]

I’m sero negative no psoriasis but ridged nails. You can have psoriatic arthritis without the plaque rash

[TheBoys]

Hi

Have you had any different medication recently?

Alternatively- just a thought - but; about four months ago I came up itchy one Sunday evening - tummy, chest, arms, neck and some on face/eyes- covered in red welts and patches - puffy and swollen. Rang 111 and had to go to the midnight pharmacy at Boots for a prescription of anti histamine.

Turns out I had a covid infection - and this was a symptom the antihistamine calmed it down quickly and it went within a day or so.. Just a thought.

[Feelingpoorly]

oh heck I’ve had sore throat and bad head all week! I thought it was just a cold coming on but it hasn’t really developed into anything I just feel a bit …..blah! (Obviously not a technical term but hope you get the meaning! )

I’m feeling better today but skin tingling so will definitely get some antihistamines. Thanks for the reply ♥️

[Mymymy]

Hello Feelingpoorly, my knuckles (one hand only) suddenly became very itchy last month. I kept scratching them. The skin became red, thickened, and wrinkled - only slight joint swelling. I reached out to my rheumatologist. He thought I might have eczema. I then applied hydrocortisone cream to the knuckles and took allergy medications for two days. I also avoided diary products..such as cheese and cream for coffee. The itchiness and redness went away a few days later.

[Feelingpoorly]

Thanks for you reply. I certainly felt that I would wake to find something similar but nothing so far. I think a trip to the pharmacy will sort it out. Many thanks again for your reply ♥️

[medway-lady]

Try ice packs and please don’t take any otc medication without checking with GP or RA team first even the most seemingly innocent stuff can react with pre scribed medications. It’s often better to be cautious rather than look for a quick fix. It might be a few days steroids at a low dose could be better. If you have econsult send a photo to GP and get some professional advice.

[Feelingpoorly]

Thank you so much - I’m just back from the pharmacy who said the same.♥️

[Amnesiac3637 in reply to Feelingpoorly]

Glad you’ve consulted a pharmacist. It could be any number of things but taking over the counter medication because someone has got something that sounds similar could put you up the proverbial creek and make it ten times worse so hope you can see your GP or rheumatologist as soon as possible. Good luck, hope it settles down very soon.

[Feelingpoorly in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thank you so much ♥️

[oldtimer2]

I've always had itching around my joints just before a flare. Sometimes enough to wake me at night too. But everyone's different.

What plan have you agreed with rheumatology for flares?

[Feelingpoorly in reply to oldtimer2]

Hmmm…..I don’t have a flare plan! I’ve just been ticking along hoping for the best, sometimes I feel good, sometimes I feel horrible but just always hope for the best. This last strange episode was odd so I thought I would reach out for the experiences of others and their advice. Seems like I I should phone for an appointment . Thank you so much for your reply, it’s very interesting to hear you have itching just before a flare. I am learning so much ♥️

[oldtimer2]

My flare plan includes doubling my steroid and contacting the specialist nurse if it's not settling after a few days.

For me, postponing activities where I can, resting for short periods frequently and keeping myself distracted with music, books and other unchallenging activities. Keep moving a little frequently even if it's just doing ankle circles.

I also have a TENS machine, but haven't found it useful except for nerve root pain. I do also have the equipment for wax baths but I never have the patience for those unless it's really bad, so I use alternate hot and cold bathing which I have found works a little for hands and feet.

Most importantly, reminding myself that this has happened before, it's a blip, I WILL COME OUT THE OTHER SIDE!

[Feelingpoorly in reply to oldtimer2]

That’s great - thanks for outlining your plan, it really helpful ♥️