Chilblains. Any Recommendations?

[Lupiknits]

I’m not sure if my right hand has erupted with multiple chilblains or it’s something else. Does anyone have any recommendations for an interim home remedy for chilblains?

The something else may be from trying to sort out what needs to be declutterred from my house prior to moving. I’ve been handling a lot of things and, as ever, the fingers on my right hand start swelling with some of the skin getting lumps and bumps which means everything feels very sharp when I touch it. Fortunately my friends will do any heavy lifting for the decluttering.

[OldTed60]

I’ve no advice on chilblains LK - I don’t tend to suffer these since Iloprost and 100mg Losartan. However your description of tender lumps and bumps made me wonder about Gotruns Papules. I’d never come across these until having a friend with Dermatomyositis, which can be associated with SSc. If these don’t look anything like images then maybe small calcinosis forming or trying to come to surface due to all the extra activity? X

[Lupiknits in reply to OldTed60]

Thank you! I rushed to Google to look at images, but that’s not what I have. My lumps and bumps are not on the knuckles or joints. It’s a bit of an annoying mystery. x

[OldTed60 in reply to Lupiknits]

In that case (and some do seem to get raised chilblains so maybe that) I’d consider calcium deposits trying to get up to skin surface. The only times I’ve had lumps and tiny, barely visible blisters, I self diagnosed as dyshidrotic eczema. My GP said this would be more itchy than painful and thought some type of Vasculitis or calcinosis. These stopped overnight with first Iloprost so alternatively might have been tiny digital ulcers. I was just so glad when they went that I only recall them now because of vein trouble and being scared of not being able to get my Iloprost in future re veins.

In back of my mind dyshidrotic eczema is still a contender because I’ve suffered periodically from this all my life and i know it can be extremely painful as well as itchy. But topical steroid treatments were ineffective for me so perhaps these tiny painful vesicles were scleroderma/ Raynaud’s/ CTD related after all as GPs and my rheumy thought. My rheumatologist pointed out the other day that things can still flare with stress and overuse. And moving home is extremely stressful and you’re probably picking up lots of dust mites with packing books - so I’d hazard a guess that it could be eczema/ allergin/autoimmune overlap?

Other thing that sorted it for me in past has been an IM steroid jab in bum. Maybe you could do with one of these to tide you over? X

[Lupiknits in reply to OldTed60]

All things for me to consider. Dust mites, which is something I have an allergy to, I have covered by a daily cetirizine . Most likely stress and perhaps a Raynaud’s flare? The last time I had this happen was during lockdown before I accepted Iloprost infusions were the best way to go.

Do you still have, or remember having, the “writer’s bump” from old fashioned pen and paper for long essays and exams? Mine was on the side of the first joint on my second finger which took most of the pressure of a pen. These are similar, but on different places.

I’m taking it easy for a time. Everything feels sharp to touch!

Edited to add: from Google images and the itching, it’s chilblains ☹️

[OldTed60 in reply to Lupiknits]

Well I do completely relate to your description. Iloprost can prevent or reverse ulceration but it won’t prevent Raynaud’s or chilblains - especially when extra cold or stressed. Same thing with Cetirizine and allergies in my bitter experience. It just takes the severity off Xx

[billybob60]

I get chillblains on my hands every winter. I take 5mg of Nifedipine 3 times a day which does help but doesn't totally get rid of them.

My GP also recommended silk gloves underneath thick gloves. I can only wear fingerless gloves for work so don't know if this helps. I do find that aloe vera gel is very soothing when they burn.