[spellbinder]

hi kids,

last time i was at my doctors i asked him about my fingers and skin problem. he says i mite have scleraderma. i don't know much about tried looking it up but could't really make heads or tails of it. my fingers get really dry and scaly and itch then they hurt crack and bleed and it takes weeks for it to go away and even then its still hard and dry almost calus like. the ithcing drive me batty. does anyone know anything about this or maybe something else. any input would be appreciated

thanks guys

 

[lazylegs]

Itching and the hardening of the skin is common with Scleroderma. It is recommended you not take a hot shower or bath. Also after bathing you should apply moisturizer. You may want to experiment with soaps, some are less drying than others. My skin is so dry the doctor recommended I use a humidifier. It is best to wear gloves to do dishes also.

If the itching doesn't get better you might want to ask the doctor for cortisone cream. I have read that some people find relief with Benadryl also. Definitely see your doctor if you notice any signs of infection.

I hope you get some relief soon.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[Maia]

They can do some additional testing for scleroderma, the scl-70 antibody. There are usually additional symptoms of scleroderma but it often starts out with skin problems on the fingers somewhat similar to what you describe.
Some of the most common additional symptoms of scleroderma include difficulty with digestion/slowing digestion, and lung/breathing problems.

Was this your rheumatologist who so casually mentioned it and then did not follow up on the suggestion or your GP?

Bring it up with your rheumy if it was your GP that mentioned it....

 

[spellbinder]

hi ladies

thanks for the input. it was me who casually asked "what is this on my fingers" and he said it may be scleroderma. after is cracks and bleeds then it peels thick layers and of coarse i pick at them .
i do have breathing problems and severe digestive issues and slow degesting is an understatement. i go in for my infusion tomorrow and thursday. my doctor has been out of the country for quite some time, much to my dismay. my infusions are done by his assistant and there is a real phycian there but not my guy. i'm kinda of bad patient as i don't want to have any blood work done till he comes back, though i don't know when that mite be. i'm actually kinda worried that he has been gone so long. i don't want to have go thru finding another rheumy. he was who diagnosed me and has been treating me for seven years.

thanks again
take care and feel better