Digital ulcers: Hope you are all... - Scleroderma & Ray...

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Digital ulcers

Jacko37 profile image
15 Replies

Hope you are all keeping warm and safe. Does anyone have any tips on coping with ulcers on their fingers in work. I work in an office so most of my work is computer based and the whole thing is a nightmare. I've tried all the usual things, fingerless gloves and so on but nothing makes any difference. Just 2 weeks after Iloprost and they are already on their way, take care, Xx

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Jacko37 profile image
Jacko37
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15 Replies
NZHeather profile image
NZHeather

It is so hard living with ulcers when an ulcer just about 1cm across can hold your whole body to ransom.. Here in New Zealand there is a local product called Nature's Kiss Anti-Flamme, you may have something like this where you live. I gently rub in around the outside of the ulcer, it doesn't seem to matter if you inadvertantly get it on the ulcer. I don't think it speeds up the healing, but it does lessen the inflammation. Best wishes

Jacko37 profile image
Jacko37 in reply toNZHeather

I know, sometimes they are soooò tiny but boy do they hurt. Last winter I had 11 of the little monkeys on just 2 fingers, think the worse thing is when they open up, take care, Xx

Agedbiker profile image
Agedbiker

I use iodine dressings to speed up the healing. Although it doesn't prevent them I also use dragon speak software at work so I don't need to use the keyboard. Every little helps.

truerose profile image
truerose

I have them on my fingers and they are very sore, someone said put Vicks on them .I've not try this yet.

Midgebite21 profile image
Midgebite21 in reply totruerose

Vicks contains menthol and camphor which both act as vasodilators, anti inflammatories and offer some pain relief due to analgesic properties. If you use it apply with a clean cotton bud so you don’t contaminate the pot with your fingers and be careful of applying on open wounds or mucus membranes as camphor can be toxic over time if applied to these types of areas. Hope it works 👍

Jacko37 profile image
Jacko37 in reply toMidgebite21

Will have to try that, you just know when they are on their way and that they will last for months! Take care

Chicunique27 profile image
Chicunique27AdministratorVolunteer

Hi, finger ulcers can be painful especially at this time of year. You could try covering them loosely with stretchy finger bandages they are thin and easily go around the finger. I find keeping them dry and covered allows the ulcer to heal quicker. Keeping them warm with hot mitts for a short period of time also helps with pain and discomfort.

Sanmateogirl107 profile image
Sanmateogirl107

ok if your in pain (wild lettuce extract) ebay has it mt rose herbs let me know how it works for you. see a rheumatologist right away, immune specialist, pain doctor for help make noise. love julie

Chimama profile image
Chimama

I haven’t had like ulcers but you know how our skin gets so dry and cracked to the point of bleeding. Especially at the fingertips mine gets worse from hand washing and cold weather . I don’t know if you are able to use it or find it but I use a product called New Skin ( you may already have tried it . ) It’s like painting on nail polish I usually do two coats it lasts through many washings it gives the skin some healing time . I think it’s like having a liquid bandage. Best of luck hope you feel better soon and Happy Holidays.🎄

Jacko37 profile image
Jacko37 in reply toChimama

Yeah, I've tried new skin, works ok for splits but doesn't do anything for the ulcers, Aqueous cream is good for dry skin. Don't think these times help us with all the hand washing and so on, Merry Xmas, take care, X

Sophiebun11 profile image
Sophiebun11

I put Oragel on everything. Even shingles which really hurt and are open blisters. It has an anesthetic just like at the dentist so it'll numb it right up. It can't hurt and if it helps it will be a big relief for hours at a time.

So sorry you are having this.

I haven't had ulcers but I've had Calcinosis on my fingers which are painful lumps and then they bust open and thick white toothpaste gunk comes out. I use the Oragel for them too.

Jacko37 profile image
Jacko37 in reply toSophiebun11

Thanks for your post, I'll give it a go, sorry that you get Calcinosis, they sound awful, take care and have a lovely Xmas, Xx

hunkyd0ry profile image
hunkyd0ry

I feel you! Aircon is a killer!

In my case I find that the fingers that are poorly are the most sensitive to cold. I have bought a pair of soft fleece gloves and have cut them, so than there is only one finger left, which is still attached to the bit around the wrist. This way I can keep my poorly fingers warm (sometimes I wear one of my finger gloves on each hand) but still use the keyboard. I wear them inside out too, as the seams can be a bit uncomfortable on my fingertips. Try it! Honestly... it's my best invention ever! :)

And it also deters people from giving you a firm handshake! ;)

finger glove
Jacko37 profile image
Jacko37 in reply tohunkyd0ry

What a fab idea, going to dig out all my old gloves and give them a bit of a trim!

hunkyd0ry profile image
hunkyd0ry

Just one pair is probably fine as the fabric is flexible and you don't necessarily have to use it in that one finger it used to be for. My worst fingers are index and middle finger and the glove is good for both.

Fleece is best I find as it really keeps warm and doesn't let any air through like those knitted gloves do.

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