please explain sores on fingers from Raynauds and how to prevent them.I have Raynauds and Scleroderma. also tender scalp that come & goes.

[Nancy-70]

I am new to this site but have a question I hope somone can answer or help me with. I have had Raynauds for several years but to date never gotten the sores you talk about so much.What are they from and how can I prevent them. Also have a scalp that gets sore a few days and then goes away for awhile.Sort of offand on.....I have diffuse scleroderma and take Methotextrate. any information would be appreciated.

[KFScleroderma]

Hi, Nancy,

The sores are more common with people who have more severe Raynaud. Just like any symptom, it can vary between people. To prevent sores, you need to keep blood flowing to the finger tips and avoid excess pressure or damage to the finger tips. This can be done with physical protection (gloves), keeping body temperature warm, quickly addressing Raynaud episodes by warming the hands, or in many cases through interventions such as medication. I personally have pretty severe Raynaud, and despite living in sunny San Diego need several medications as well as other protective measures.

Funny, I also get the scalp tenderness and I have no idea why!! My doctors just shrug--you're the first person I've heard with that strange symptom. I also have diffuse systemic scleroderma.

Welcome!

KFS

[Nancy-70 in reply to KFScleroderma]

Thank You and all for answering me, I will try to keep my hands warmer and feet too as Ihave the same problems with them-makes it hard to walk sometimes. Raynauds is very painful.Also have pain in most of my large joints. Doc says its from inflammation around the joints. Does anyone have this problem besides me. I feel so lucky to have found all of you.At least someone understands. Myscalp sometimes is so sore that it bothers me to put it on a pillow. Thanks again.....

[dojurols]

I have CREST (LcSSc), had worsening Raynaud's for about 45 years, have had scalp tenderness but have never associated it with this... Now I know why! Also dry eyes slowly worsening ( to do with the CREST apparently) and numb areas on fingers and thumbs along with other more usual symptoms of CREST (Limited Cutaneous Progressive Systemic Sclerosis)

[Nancy-70 in reply to dojurols]

wanted to thank you for answering me.Have only known about this site aweek or so. It is wonderful to have somewere togo where others understand what you are going thru.Ihave had Raynauds a long time but Scleroderma just over a year. However Iam not doing well and the Scleroderma is moving on. I feel so tired all the time. is this normal for Scleroderma?

[mcrain in reply to dojurols]

Thanks for your information. I thought maybe the numbness in my fingers was from my TIA (mini stroke). After reading all this info I need to speak to my Dr cuz I thought I just had to deal with it. My name is snowyrange2000

[froggyjc]

I have a tender scalp at times myself, but have been lucky and have not had sores/ulcers. I have Limited Scleroderma with CREST, was diagnosed 4 years ago, but have several other autoimmune issues as well. I just found this site and I love it because its nice to have people understand what you are talking about.

[Nancy-70 in reply to froggyjc]

Thank you for answering me . I appreciate the support and understanding as I have had a difficult time understanding all the changes I'm going thru.

[sgbee]

KFS had the right advice!! I've had Raynaud's for 11 years, in addition to Diffuse Scleroderma, and I don't have sores yet. But others have sores quite soon after getting the disease so it is hard to understand. Keep your hands warm! And your feet. My feet also react to the cold and now I feel like my entire body has Raynaud's!

I also have Sjogrens Syndrome and have lost much of my hair from that, but don't have the tender scalp. I hope you find some more answers!

[Nancy-70 in reply to sgbee]

Thank you for sharing with me. I like having someone I can talk to that understands.