Hi ,ive just joined the group and just looking for some answers. I was diagnosed with Raynards early last year,but around the last 7-8 months my skin on my fingers have been cracking really bad ,causing open wounds .
My question is does anyone think this could be to do with raynards or underlying condition?
I also have Artheritis. I am am trying to get Dr's appointment as fingers are so bad it's difficult to do anything (took ages just to type this )
Hi. I think you really need to see a GP and ask for autoimmune blood tests. Raynaud’s is common but Systemic Sclerosis is rare so you may need to flag it up as a possibility to your GP along with others such as Myositis. They will know about the more common autoimmune diseases such as RA and probably Lupus. This would be best thing to do with your specific symptoms. I don’t know why a GP wouldn’t see you if you put in a request explaining your concerns but each area is different of course. I’m already diagnosed so possibly quite different as they usually offer me one in around 10-14 days if non urgent. The sooner you ask the sooner you’ll be seen!! Best of luck, hopefully just dry skin of some kind of eczema but your symptoms do sound rather scleroderma-like.
Badly cracking skin needs to be investigated not only due to the pain but because of the danger of infection. It could be due to an autoimmune condition, eczema or vitamin deficiencies among other things. Beware of using otc remedies as some may make things worse rather than better. Best to get it checked out by your doctor as soon as you can.
Arthritis can be OA or RA, but both conditions can be diagnosed and helped with. Make that doctor's appointment soon!
Hi Bernewfie,
Are they cracks/hacks due to the skin drying out? Similar to fissures you get on overly dry heels on the feet. With Raynauds as the circulation is affected so it is very possible that the skin is more dehydrated especially in the winter months. If this is the case then a rich urea based emollient hand cream is a must. Apply it numerous times a day and concentrate on the tips of the fingers and around the cuticles as these can become very hard. If I get a particularly bad one I smother the area in cream and apply a dressing like a waterproof plaster to protect the area and this also will hold the emollient in place. I’m a podiatrist by trade so treat these kinds of issues on a near daily basis as well as having scleroderma and raynauds myself.
If the lesions are ulcers then they may need more attention from a practice nurse. Are you on any vasodilators for your Raynauds symptoms?
Scleroderma and very dry skin
Very very itchy skin.
Help- Itchy skin/dermatitis? 
SPLIT SKIN!!
