I have been diagnosed with SLE for about ten years (started as subacute cutaneous). I previously was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata (now Alopecia Totalis). I also have Type 1 Diabetes (15 years). I have always had ridges in my fingernails and they peel and crack a lot. I thought they were just fragile and my dermatologist suggested my nails were a sign of autoimmune issues or connective tissue issues. My first dermatologist felt the ridges in my nails were just a signal that Alopecia was getting ready to attack. I have also developed a new symptom (more recently) cold hands and feet. My Rheumy completed some testing to rule out Raynaud's and Sjogen's Syndrome (an I'm waiting for results). I have noticed, in the last few days, after my appointment with my Rheumy that in addition to the ridges in my nails, I also have some splintering of the skin at the base of the nail bed. I have read that this is indicative of autoimmune disorders, but does anyone know if it is indicative of anything else. My fingers are really sore and I don't know if there is something I can to do treat the redness and irritation on the skin on my fingers. Any information or ideas are appreciated.
I use Bag Blum on my cracked skin around my nails. It helps! I put it on and cover my hand with gloves and sleep all night with it on!
Deenie
Thank you!
Dewing3569 said:
I use Bag Blum on my cracked skin around my nails. It helps! I put it on and cover my hand with gloves and sleep all night with it on!
Deenie
JDT, has anyone checked your thyroid? Often it can cause your nails to get strange. Ask for more than a level check, but that - hope I get this right, T3 and T4 are checked as well. My weird nails have been blamed on adult onset type 2 diabetes, but my first blood sugar check was done as a child. Recently saw something that said they now believe diabetes to be autoimmune. Cant believe everything you hear, but def food for thought!
I was diagnosed in 2001. I have the same problems. I was first diagnosed with Sjogrens, then lupus. I've been on prednisone, methotrexate, plaquenil, humira, and kineret. I didn't have insurance for a few years and had to stop the kineret. That seemed to work the best. I plan to go back on it. The cracked fingers are painful. I'm a nurse and have to wash my hands multiple times a day. I have found that a thick, greasy hand cream at night and latex gloves to wear to bed helps a little. If I find any miracle products, I will post. jeannem
Thank you so much! I remember my dad, when I was a child, would put petroleum jelly on his hands and wear gloves to bed, to soften his hands. Back then, it probably wasn't even a consideration that he had something autoimmune going on, but my docs keep saying that a lot of my medical problems are genetic.
jeannem said:
I was diagnosed in 2001. I have the same problems. I was first diagnosed with Sjogrens, then lupus. I've been on prednisone, methotrexate, plaquenil, humira, and kineret. I didn't have insurance for a few years and had to stop the kineret. That seemed to work the best. I plan to go back on it. The cracked fingers are painful. I'm a nurse and have to wash my hands multiple times a day. I have found that a thick, greasy hand cream at night and latex gloves to wear to bed helps a little. If I find any miracle products, I will post. jeannem
Hello Jdt,
Just saw your discussion mate sorry. I have A1 Diseases overlapping autoimmune diseases.
I to have subacute cutaneous (SCLE) which involves as many as 4 different skin troubles with Lupus besides Hypoglycaemia (Low sugar) add it for years.
Regarding your cold hands and feet that is possibly an high sign of Raynauds, as i have that bad and regarding your fingernails Raynauds and Scleroderma cause these issues as i have both autoimmune Diseases plus i have bleeding down the side of my nails and lined nails besides looking wood splinters in them also and broken small blood vessels.
I'm not a doctor to diagnose but you may possibly come in with Raynauds besides sjogrens as i also have that in secondary and the problems it causes me are terrible.
Splintering of the skin is mainly caused by Subcutanous or Scleroderma.
Regarding treating them i can't help you because nothing works for me regarding the dermo or rheumo section as i've been told...my symptoms are to advanced but to try and help it i use Nivea cream for my hands and coconut butter for the rest of my skin as i look like a reptile as my skins dryed out from the sjogrens and regarding your Alopecia...my heads in the skin head now through hair dropping out and bald patches.
What we have is rare so more things come combined at we and coping is a struggle.
Hugs Terri :)
Fibro also causes the ridges per my doctors and my sisters doctors. I use Bag Balm in my feet and hands with socks and gloves at night it does help me IF I use it every night
I have SLE and RA and Raynaud's. I am prone to skin infections since I have been on anti-TNF for years. Just got done with MRSA and pseudomonas infections on my lower legs.
Hubs mixes A & D ointment with Neosporin. My goop goes everywhere I do. I wear latex gloves on my hands and rest my goopy feet on Saran wrap.
It is a good thing to get over how we might look, quickly, ain't it? LOL
Regards from Rosie