calcinosis at tip of finger

[Monica628812]

hello. I have a large calcinosis on my right hand, pointer finger. It is very sore and hurts badly. It looks like it may be infected. Has anyone else dealt with this. Please give me your experiences. Thank you

[Sosie]

Hi, I get this from time to time on my thumbs. It probably is infected. I would get to the GP and get some antibiotics - usually clears it up for me. Is there whitish-yellow either oozing out or trapped in a bubble under the skin?

[Monica628812 in reply to Sosie]

thank you for responding Sosie. It is trapped in a bubble. At one time the dr gave me some topical medication to shrink it but it didn’t work. I have contacted my rheumatologist, waiting for her response. Thank you

[LadyTrundle]

this sound exactly like me right now. I’ll be interested to see what replies you get.

[Monica628812 in reply to LadyTrundle]

I feel your pain Lady Trundle! Hopefully the answers will help you also- Good Luck!

[LucyJean]

Hi Monica, if you are in any doubt it is best to get a GP or Practice Nurse appointment and see if it is infected and needs a prescription of antibiotics. The general rule is that if it is red, painful and warm it is infected, and if it is oozing pus rather than the white fluid or toothpaste like products of calcinosis...then it is infected.

On the other hand if it is just painful because it is full to the brim with calcinosis it might just be that it needs to release a load of liquid, toothpaste or a lump of calcium. It may do this itself or you might need to get someone who knows what they are doing at your GP surgery or Rheumatology department to do this. Don't be tempted to poke it with anything that might damage your skin or itself introduce an infection into the area. Sometimes it can be helped along by soaking your finger in comfortably hot water...you can add salt or dettol or antiseptic of some kind to the water which will also help with any underlying infection. This may bring the calcinosis to the surface and it may erupt on it's own accord.

To protect it you might pad the end with any kind of soft dressing and tape it in place or if you have a little 'hood' of some kind to cover the end of it and keep it protected that is a good idea. There are a number of companies that make gel finger hoods...like Silipos

Hope that helps

Lucy xxx

[Monica628812 in reply to LucyJean]

thank you Lucy. That was all very helpful information. I will start to soak it and definitely cover it. Again thanks!!!

[Midgebite21]

Bless you I feel your pain.

Is the area still intact? Ie not leaking. If so it’s probably not infected as there is no portal for infection to get in, it’s more than likely it needs to release. They are extremely painful at this stage and usually very angry looking. If on the other hand it’s leaking/open them there maybe underlying infection that requires antibiotics.

As a podiatrist of 30+ years I treat mine by using a sterile scalpel, releasing the calcinosis and applying a sterile dressing until healed. Both my Rheumatologist and GP are happy for me to do this as I work with wounds (especially diabetic wounds) all the time. Obviously I wouldn’t recommend you do this yourself but in maybe worth seeking medical advice from your practice nurse or contact a podiatrist (we are insured to treat hands too).

I hope you find some relief soon as they are agony especially on the finger tips.

[Monica628812 in reply to Midgebite21]

thank you Midgebite21. Great information! I am still waiting for my doctor to contact me but will not touch it. It hurts like crazy though.!

[Ciaran34]

if it’s looks infected see a doc right away - they can go bad very quickly - i got these regularly for years and they are painful / but for some reason have not had any for the past 2 years

[AJOC4]

if it is a build up of calcinosis at the tip of your finger, boiled very slightly cooled water with bicarbonate of soda will release the buildup but you must keep it clean after to avoid infection. If infected get antibiotics as soon as you can. Your finger will feel hot and painful rather than usual soreness.

[Monica628812 in reply to AJOC4]

thank you for that information. I will try it and let you know