Does scleroderma cause swollen hands?

Does scleroderma cause swollen hands?

Share on Pinterest Scleroderma can cause swelling of the hands and thickened skin on the fingers. Scleroderma means “hard skin.” Early symptoms of scleroderma include changes in the fingers and hands, for example, stiffness, tightness, and puffiness because of sensitivity to cold or emotional stress.

How does scleroderma affect the fingers?

Fingertips. The variety of Raynaud’s disease that occurs with systemic scleroderma can be so severe that the restricted blood flow permanently damages the tissue at the fingertips, causing pits or skin sores. In some cases, the tissue on the fingertips may die and require amputation.

How do you treat scleroderma fingers?

Treating Scleroderma Easing skin itchiness with skin lotions and moisturizers. Slowing skin thickening and minimizing damage to the internal organs with medication that suppresses the immune system. Maintaining muscle strength through physical therapy and exercise.

Does scleroderma cause swelling?

Swelling is another typical early symptom of scleroderma, and this may be especially noticeable upon waking up in the morning due to muscle inactivity at night. The skin of the fingers may look full and sausage-like, making it difficult to close the hand into a fist. Exercising the fingers and toes can help.

Why are my hands so swollen?

Hand swelling is a sign of fluid buildup or inflammation of the tissues or joints of the hand. Hand swelling, which is also called edema, can also result from serious infections, trauma, and other abnormal processes.

Does scleroderma affect both hands?

Diffuse systemic sclerosis can affect skin all over the body and is more likely to affect the internal organs. Limited systemic sclerosis is a milder form that only affects the skin on the face, lower arms, hands, lower legs and feet.

What does a scleroderma flare feel like?

Your fingertips may change colour (usually white to blue/purple, then to red), get very cold and sometimes hurt or feel numb. They may also develop red, swollen areas which are painful to touch (sometimes called chilblains)11 often in cold weather or when you are stressed.

How do you stop scleroderma progression?

There is no medication that can cure or stop the overproduction of collagen that is characteristic of scleroderma….For example, your doctor may recommend medications to:

1. Treat or slow skin changes.
2. Dilate blood vessels.
3. Suppress the immune system.
4. Reduce digestive symptoms.
5. Prevent infections.
6. Relieve pain.

Why am I retaining water in my fingers?

Fluid retention caused by diet Eating a diet high in salt can cause the tissues to retain extra water, leading to fluid retention in the fingers, hands, and other areas of the body. Lowering sodium intake is one of the most common treatments for conditions that cause water retention.

When should I be concerned about a swollen finger?

Immediate medical attention is also necessary if you have swelling and other symptoms such as fever, chills, or redness or warmth of the finger. “If there’s persistent joint swelling, there’s the risk of irreversible joint damage that could lead to deformity and loss of function,” Dr.

Does scleroderma cause fluid retention?

This is known as the edematous phase of Scleroderma. Edema means retaining fluid. This is not arthritis. Some patients have puffy fingers for years and never get severe skin thickening or contractures.

How does scleroderma affect the skin on my hands?

Skin changes in scleroderma can have an especially devastating impact. Although the course of scleroderma is variable and not all people experience every phase, the changes to the hand often evolve in three phases. In the earliest phase, swelling of the fingers and hands predominates, especially in individuals with diffuse scleroderma.

What are the signs and symptoms of diffuse scleroderma?

In the earliest phase, swelling of the fingers and hands predominates, especially in individuals with diffuse scleroderma. Swelling may be associated with or even precede the onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon. This swelling tends to limit the movement of the finger and hands.

How long does scleroderma swelling last?

Many people experience swelling early in the course of scleroderma. This swelling may last weeks or years, and sometimes improves on its own. For some patients it may progress to more severe skin involvement, such as thickening or contractures.

What can I do to reduce swelling from scleroderma?

What you can do: Ask your physician to recommend medications to alleviate the swelling. It is worthwhile to note that water pills or diuretics that are sometimes used to treat swelling generally do not work in scleroderma, as the problem is not caused by water retention.