Finger ulcers - more common with male or female?

[Magsterly]

Silly question but curious. Wish I could do a poll. In this thread for those that have had finger ulcers with Raynauds how many of you are male? Female? Or if you Know someone Male, please mention.

[wendypballot]

I am female and get lots of finger ulcers during cold months. I found that having Ilaprost infusions definitely helped.

[Magsterly in reply to wendypballot]

You poor thing. Is it too personal to ask here if you smoke or have “unhealthy habits”? Just wondering if these ulcers are unstoppable no matter who you are or what you do.

[wendypballot in reply to Magsterly]

I do smoke but eat normally and have a drink only when socialising But I have been told to stop smoking as I have scleroderma as well. I am caregiver for my husband who has subcortial vascular dementia he doesn’t speak very much and is such hard work. I need my cigarettes to calm me down as dementia is a horrible disease.

[Pennypetra]

I am female and 4 people I know who get ulcers are also female

[Agedbiker]

I get them and I am male.

[Howlinoldowl]

Female!

[KatieAnna]

It depends on who is on this thread! Lots of men might get them but aren't on the list. I'm female and get lots.

[Magsterly in reply to KatieAnna]

Very true. This is just a very unscientific thing - lol. But want to hear from the guys.

[Magsterly]

Thanks all. I appreciate it. Really wondering if men suffer as much with same symptoms.

(Would argue against the theory that taking birth control pills would have any negative effect on Raynauds in my opinion.....)

[overnighthearingloss]

Female. Lots. Current one combined with severe malaise and may be a general risk factor in general. Since on abx think some degree of improvement so maybe goes hand in hand with bacterial infections?

[cowhide]

Female and yes I get finger ulcers, I work out of doors as a dairy farmer. Much better in recent years due to the wonders of sildenafil. Incidentally, I assume that men can't take sildenafil (Viagra) for finger ulcers due to its side effects? Raynauds is more common in women than men so more women probably on this forum and more women likely to get finger ulcers.

[Magsterly in reply to cowhide]

Yah. That’s what I’m thinking. Plus - men aren’t as keen going on forums for health issues Though the tinnitus forum here in the States is mostly men.

[Tony_da_Costa]

Hi Magsterly,

Im a male from South Africa (now in Portugal), I had pretty bad ulcers on my fingers which saw a few of my fingertips sharper and shorter than the others. The pain was insane when it got cold, I could barely contain the pain and had to buy some sheep skin leather gloves to make a difference. Also, I was only 14 when I was diagnosed. My ulcers have since stopped but scabs do form from time to time. I was a smoker as well.

[Magsterly in reply to Tony_da_Costa]

I’m so sorry Tony. I do appreciate you sharing this. Seems to be an indiscriminate disease. I hope you stopped smoking and if so that is possibly helps symptoms.

[Dawzelle]

I was diagnosed with Reynauds over 30 years ago and have never had an ulcer. I’m female and have never taken any medication for it.

[Magsterly in reply to Dawzelle]

I appreciate you telling me this. Are you over 40?

[Dawzelle in reply to Magsterly]

I’m over 60. I was diagnosed in my late 20’s but rebelled against taking any medication. The Reynauds seemed to disappear when I had my children when I was in my 30’s but slowly started to get worse and now I self manage it. I know what I can and can’t touch. My fingers still go white, blue and red but not for any length of time.

[Magsterly in reply to Dawzelle]

Very interesting! And obviously you didn’t need the meds. Good for you if that was a good decision for you! 👍🏻 Like someone said above - yes meds are necessary if the alternative is gangrene/amputation or death.

Im motivated to avoid meds of all sorts and take only when totally necessary. 😉. I hope you stay well. Nobody on this Earth is in perfect health. Doesn’t exist. (Yet)

[Dawzelle in reply to Magsterly]

I absolutely agree with the earlier comment. I also have Scleroderma, diagnosed just over 2 years ago. The only meds I take for that is 1 x15mg Lansaprazole once a day Vitamin D and Folic Acid to help with the tiredness. I’m fortunate that the progression is very very slow.

[lennyplus4]

I’m female & get most when weather is changing. As long as I use lotion very frequently it helps avoid. It seems odd most are in crease of thumb & index finger. Good luck with research.

[Magsterly in reply to lennyplus4]

How interesting! For years on my right hand only. I would get a severe crack in skin that would slightly bleed. The crease on top of my thumb and index finger as well. How weird!! I started using Dr Greenfields Hand Shield and it cures it in a day!! Phenomenal product. Nothing else works.

So that makes me wonder. Is this s precursor to ulcers in those spots???

[lennyplus4 in reply to Magsterly]

Great question. Sorry but it’s nice to know I’m not alone with this problem. Sometimes with different issues I think I’m alone but as I read I’m not an odd one & learn new things like your Dr Greenfield. Thank you .

[Magsterly in reply to lennyplus4]

I totally agree! I wish someone could organize some of this helpful info with a poll or chart stating what brands of lotions, what meds, natural remedies etc etc. This site is GOLD.

Super helpful.

In fact - all GPs and rhuemys should be reading these threads!