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Nail loss with Raynauds

Coldgirl profile image
10 Replies

Hi, I have Raynaud's and suffer with chilblains, mainly on my fingers. They lead to swollen, itchy, 'sausage' fingers which lasts for a few days. In the past my fingers would return to normal between attacks but this year I've suffered from a number of fingernail infections, losing 3 nails over the last year, and I wondered if it's linked to the poor blood supply to my fingertips.

The infections start with an area of red swelling close to the cuticle (although the cuticle is unbroken) and develop into an area of pus which moves from the skin behind the cuticle into the nail bed itself. The infection seems to get in between the layers of the nail itself and the top of the nail gradually detaches leaving a very soft, wrinkly and thin layer of nail behind. It then takes a number of months for the nail to regrow fully (I know this is always a slow process). I've tried antifungal lacquer and had multiple courses of antibiotics but I really don't want to keep taking antibiotics if I can help it. I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this or had any advice? Thanks!

FYI Even my healthy nails aren't that good, in a number of them the white area is increasing in size as the nail appears to be detaching from the bed although there is no evidence of infection.

I generally manage my Raynaud's by keeping warm, wearing gloves, using handwarmers, avoiding fluctuations in temp etc. I did try Nifedipine for the first time this year as my symptoms were getting me down. I took 10mg, 3 x day for about 3 months, but I saw no improvement and therefore the GP agreed that I should stop taking it.

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Coldgirl profile image
Coldgirl
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10 Replies
creditcrunchie profile image
creditcrunchie

Hi. Sounds like you are having a rough time....I can only quote my own experience to see if it might help. I had problems with my right foot as toes ulcerated and were as you would expect painful. Initially I started on same dosage of nifedipine but I had side effects so settled for a slow release once a day. Then rheumatologist sent me to hospital day ward to have an infusion of illoprost which I did for a number of years and it helped. However then I was offered a trial on sildenafil aka via viagra and this really suited me so now I have my slow release nifedipine plus the sildenafil. I always know when my second silendafil is due as my foot with the poor circulation and prone to ulceration starts to become very painful but the tablet eases it to normal. I certainly would ask about the infusion (mine was daily for 6 hours) to help you heal then try mix and match to try and find an answer. Mine isn’t perfect but it heads in that direct. Take care and hope this helps.

Coldgirl profile image
Coldgirl in reply to creditcrunchie

Thank you, that's good advice. I think you are right that I need to find a balance of treatments which will work for me. I've delayed following up with the GP as they have more than enough to worry about at the moment but I suspect that I should see them again after the hols and push for a referral. I also get swelling and aching in my legs starting from the time I get up each day and I suspect all of my symptoms are linked. A specialist may be able to look at the bigger picture rather than only treating the infections/swelling with antibiotics/compression stockings.I'm sorry you suffer with your toes so much, I can imagine the ulcers are extremely painful. Take care and thanks again for taking the time to help.

Dizzy64 profile image
Dizzy64

Hi, I'm so sorry to read your having such a rough time. I take Nifedipine and if they haven't got any I get the slow release form, which I prefer.I have never had any problems with my nails I am wondering if fingerless gloves which I wear at home would help, and soaking your nails in warm salt water or diluted teatree oil and instead of drying your hands with a towel use a hair dryer as your not pulling on your nails and towels can cause your weak nails to pull away from the bed. As I use a hair dryer to dry my toes as I have a chronic spinal condition so bending is difficult and want to make sure my toes are properly dry.

I hope some of this advice helps.

Coldgirl profile image
Coldgirl in reply to Dizzy64

Thank you for the advice. I hadn't considered using a hair dryer but it makes sense. I'll definitely give it a go. I can feel my fingers start to tingle when the temp in the house drops so I try to keep the house warm and always wear lots of layers. I have been treating the infections with salt water soaks and applying tea tree oil before bed - great minds think alike!Take care and thanks again for taking the time to help, I really appreciate it.

Dizzy64 profile image
Dizzy64 in reply to Coldgirl

You're very welcome if I can offer advice that would be of help, then it's not a problem. Another thing I was thinking of is have you tried any vitamins for hair, skin and nails that will strengthen them?I also layer up as I feel the cold, and. never used to. But love my thermals especially as you can buy polo neck jumpers in different colours and I wear ski gloves when I go out.

Hope you start to feel better soon.

Coldgirl profile image
Coldgirl in reply to Dizzy64

Thanks. Yes, I do take hair and nail vits and I love my thermals too!!

Kakey profile image
Kakey

Yes, I have also the exact problem. Mine has been ongoing, but intermittent, for a few years. Only 2 fingers were involved for most of that time, but now a third. I'm sorry, but I don't have any good advice, I wish I had x

Coldgirl profile image
Coldgirl in reply to Kakey

Oh, so sorry to hear you have the same problem. Hopefully some of the advice kindly offered on this thread may help you too.

Jmrose profile image
Jmrose

I have had the same exact problem in the past with six fingers and bandages on both hands. In addition to the nifedipine my doctor also prescribed Nitro Bid Cream which is a nitroglycerin cream that I put on my fingers were rings would go and that helps to open up the blood vessels and allow blood flow to the fingers an aid in the healing. I use it on an as needed basis when I start to get the red swollen sausage fingers and the burning feeling in the fingers. I hope this helps

Coldgirl profile image
Coldgirl in reply to Jmrose

Thanks so much. I'm sorry you have the same issue. I'll look into the Nitro Bid cream as that may be very helpful, thanks!

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