Ulcer growths

[Pennypetra]

I have scleroderma and ray aids and have recently got an ulcer on the knuckle of my little finger. This has become a growth about 3cm out from the finger. Has anyone else experienced this

[tall-tim]

I have had a whole galaxy of finger ulcers over the last ten years - in the past sometimes several on both hands (finger sides, tips, knuckles) - but luckily pretty much under control now thanks to a mixture of immunosuppressant (Methotrexate), steroid (Prednisolone) and Sildenafil treatment.

My standard approach is to apply squares of iodated gauze (Inadine) dressing over the ulcer held in place by a tailored piece of dressing strip sticking plaster, Best to change it all twice a day. I think it is important not to block the nastiness in the ulcer by creams and ointments; the point is to let the white stuff out of the wound into an absorbent, sterile environment. For this I have to use a sterilised needle to let the liquid out. I have found that this approach stops the pain and halves the healing time required. As it is, an ulcer can take three or four months to 'dry up' and heal. Ulcers always start with a lake of painful liquid welling up under the skin. Anyway, that's what works for me. This is done in conjunction with Sildenafil to improve peripheral circulation, to help oxygenate the tissues and remove decay products through the lymphatic system. When I have an ulcer attack I up my Sildenafil dosage and that helps speed healing.

[Pennypetra in reply to tall-tim]

Thanks for that tall-Tim. My finger now has an actual hard growth coming from it. It has all dried up and extends about 3cm. I have in the past used inodine which I have found good. I am on steroid

And immunosuppressant.

[tall-tim in reply to Pennypetra]

Hello Pennypetra,

I have never had the hard lumps. I have had bits of small crystal coming out of ulcers before. Once out, the pain was greatly lessened.

How can you get rid of this lump?

[Pennypetra]

I don't know but it certainly gets in the way and hurts when I knock it. Will have to see my specialist I guess. Thanks for your interest