chilblain damage to finger nails?

[redmaggie]

Hi folks, I wonder if anyone else has had the same problem. I had chilblains on 3 fingers, next to the finger nail base. 3 or 4 weeks later the skin has healed but the half moons are red and tender and the skin has retracted from the nail base so it looks as if the nail might come away. I can't find anything like it on google! no signs of an infection. I have UCTD and reynauds but this is the first time for finger chilblains. Any thoughts are welcome!

[hunkyd0ry]

Hello. I don't have problems with chilblains as much as I have with digital ulcers on my fingertips. Sometimes they are next to my nail beds or even under the nail. If thats the case I can always see in my nails that there was a trauma... there would be a weird bump or something which would grow out over time. Some of my nails look completely different now than they used to.I think your body focuses on healing the wound and doesn't have enough resources to create the nail as usual as I guess it's less important for your health and survival.

Just look after your fingers and let the damaged nail grow out and hopefully what comes after is all good and healthy.

[redmaggie in reply to hunkyd0ry]

Thank you for your reply! I hope that now spring is coming you will have less of a problem with painful ulcers.

[Bee2023]

I also get nail damage on my nails after having ulcers on my finger tips and chilblains on my toes.

The nail goes a very dark red/bruised colour. They often get ridges too. It does take a while but the nails do usually improve and it grows out and the new nail is then healthy looking.

I hope your fingers feel better soon. Chilblains and ulcers are so debilitating even though to everyone else they look small. They are excruciating.

Just keep an eye out for yellow pus. If it gets infected go and see the doctor because you will need antibiotics.

[redmaggie in reply to Bee2023]

Hi Bee2023, Thanks for your reply as I am new to this problem with fingers - it was just my toes before. Im pleased to hear that it will all grow out despite the damage!

[Rubytunes]

hi I’ve had similar - started last year as itchy little spots on back couple fingers which spread and broke down in to deep sore weeping areas also up around base and edges of nails. A ridge developed along edge of half moons which became more pronounced and then started to lift away from the nail - eventually lost 5 nails. Gp had no idea and most of time would only offer telephone appointment— it was really painful especially when swollen and difficult to use hands so in desperation I borrowed money to see a dermatologist- he thought was circulation issue….. by May skin was settled and nails growing bac- thinner than they were before- sadly start again in November-skin more damaged, far more swelling and very painf-I can see nail damage starting to show but my symptoms are getting worse- waiting to see rheumatology but no idea of date despite chasing and telling them that I can’t use hands for 70% of time as too swollen to move fingers and ski feeling scalded. They have stopped anti inflammatory medication and my adhd meds so I’m really struggling as I’m alone with no family or friends around

I hope you heal soon and feel better

[Intimeslikethese in reply to Rubytunes]

Rubytunes, sending you hugs, love and well wishes. Hang in there. Family is where the heart is. Hope you find loving family here and other places to which you can reach.

[Rubytunes in reply to Intimeslikethese]

thank you x

[redmaggie in reply to Rubytunes]

Hi Rubytunes, I am sorry to hear that you have had such a miserable time with your hands and the cold. It's exhausting trying to find out what's wrong. I hope that you can get some helpful attention from your rheumatology consultant - perhaps contact PALS if it's all taking too long to see you. Sending warm wishes - Good luck xx

[Rubytunes in reply to redmaggie]

thank you x I have contacted Pals - fingers crossed they can help as Gp say they can’t do anything x

Hope all goes well for you x