Sensitive Fingertips

[0411tm]

I have suffered with Raynauds for about 20 years now and recently have started suffering with very sensitive, itchy fingertips. The skin at the tips is becoming hard and rough to touch and I also have deep vertical grooves appearing. Anyone else got the same or can tell me what this could be. Many thanks x

[Blue-Bunny]

Capillary damage I'm afraid. There are some creams on the market to help soothe the itching but the best advice is to tell the doctor.

[0411tm]

Thanks for the advise Ravenshade, I will make appointment to see doc. Is this a something serious, what is likely to happen to my fingers?

[Blue-Bunny in reply to 0411tm]

It's likely to get worse if it is to do with the Raynauds, the repeat attacks may be damaging them in which case the more attacks you have, the more the patches of itchiness will increase. Though I suspect there's a cut off point somewhere.

Though it 'could' just be dry skin, in which case you may need to work out a) how to re-hydrate it (aloe vera + vitamin e moisturisers spring to mind) or b) how to remove it. Pumice stones are usually effective. Your doctor will be able to assist or refer you to a specialist. Let us know how you get on ^_^

[0411tm in reply to Blue-Bunny]

Hi Ravenshade. You asked me to let you know how I got on at the doc's. Well told him about the dry skin skin and he went "Hmmm". Told him the tips were itchy and sensitive to touch. He asked if they tingled and if the tingling went up through my thumb and forearm to which I said yes. Guess what, I've got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Not associated with the Raynauds or Scleroderma he says. Had a cortisone injection which seems to have eased the tingling a bit but tips of fingers still very sensitive to touch and throbbing now. Have to go back to have injection in other hand in 10 days so will tell him if there is no real improvement. Hope you have made progress with getting your heating problem sorted out. Keep thinking positive thoughts

[Blue-Bunny in reply to 0411tm]

Nope, no progress on my end! (Yet).

Though I'm glad you have made progress on your side. CTS is every bit of annoying as primary Raynaud's, especially if you're working with computers. You're going to need to rest your hands an awful lot and physiotherapy (apparently that helps). Good luck!

[0411tm]

Again, thanks for your advice Ravenshade. I am having more and more Raynauds attacks lately and have just bought a parafin wax bath which I use every night which helps and also use hand cream every time my hands have been in water. I have made an appointment for the doctor but this isn't until 1st March. I will let you know how I get on. Thanks again for your help. x