can anyone advise on knuckle sore patches?

[Barnwell]

Hello, I have had SSc and Raynauds for several years with a range of symptoms including digital ulcers.

Just recently I have developed strange patches on my knuckles. One of these has become very sore and I am afraid of it turning into an ulcer.

I’d be grateful to know whether others have these patches and, if so, how you have treated them. I am at a loss to know the best course of action.

Thanks so much for any advice 😊.

[Buttsy]

Morning Barnwell,

Oh they do look sore,

a bit like a healing burn or a reaction to chemicals . Did they just appear ?

I haven’t had anything like it , but just wanted to sympathise as they look so sore.. sorry I can’t offer any help or advice.

Take care , hope they heal soon

[Barnwell in reply to Buttsy]

Thank you Buttsy, 😊. They did just appear, firstly as scaly patches but then quite quickly they turned into these sore spots. Very frustrating!

[itexpat]

Hi Barnell, I had something very similar two months ago,even worse looking infact...I did not know I had scleroderma then as I am now in the process of being diagnosed. So I just asked a dermatologist what to do. She told me to disinfect it everyday to avoid infection, as mine was split, and keep it covered with a plaster or gauze.It healed in a few weeks, it took much longer that I thought. And also I applied hydrating cream on it. If you can it would be worth consulting a dermatologist, I think

[Barnwell]

Thanks so much itexpat - it sounds like yours must have developed into ulcers, which I know can be extremely painful. I am really hoping that mine don’t split but if they do I will follow your advice.

Good luck with your diagnosis and treatment.

[Toffee66]

Hi Barnwell. Sorry to see your discomfort but I can empathise as I have very similar symptoms. I’ve had a diagnosis of Raynaud’s from my GP but I am suspecting that SSc maybe more accurate as I also get digital ulcers. I find that the sore hands particularly develop when moving from hot/warm to cold environments particularly when wet. My response is to try to avoid this as much as possible including using gloves for as many tasks as possible e.g. rubber gloves for washing up, nitrile gloves or exercise gloves for other tasks. I’ve tried to keep them moisturised as far as possible with a good quality product e.g. Neutragena intensive care. The most important thing is to avoid actions which might lead to banging or abrasion of the hands-easier said than done! Once the skin is broken it becomes quite a palaver to enable healing. Good luck and roll on the warmer weather! Hope this is of some help even if just to say you’re not on your own.

[Barnwell in reply to Toffee66]

Thank you Toffee66, that's much appreciated. I think perhaps I've not been taking enough preventative action so your wise words are helpful. More gloves in future for me! 😊

[JessicaEccles6]

Ooh! Im a bit excited because I have these as well and it's just so painful. Feels like a burn. my consultant thinks it is nerve damage from Raynauds & scleroderma

[Barnwell in reply to JessicaEccles6]

Hi JessicaEccles, that’s interesting. Was the consultant able to suggest how best to treat/manage this?

[JessicaEccles6 in reply to Barnwell]

No! She was just like 'Oh yes that looks really painful' 😀and it is!

[Barnwell in reply to JessicaEccles6]

Ha! Oh well. Let’s hope they magically sort themselves out! I’ll ask my rheumatologist next time I see her and if she has any useful advice I will post it for you 😊. Stay well.