Abundant amounts of circulating cryoglobulins (proteins) clump together at reduced body temperatures or during the cold season to cause cryoglobulinemia. Apart from high levels of cryoglobulin levels, the disease can also occur due to underlying blood cancers, hepatitis C infection, and other connective tissue disorders. The clumping of these proteins causes blockages in blood flow and leads to organ damage ultimately. Other symptoms include red or purple rashes, joint pain, weakness, and fatigue. Immunosuppressants, artificial antibody medications, and plasmapheresis are the available treatment options.
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Why do I have hand and knuckles pain without any trauma?
Query: Hi doctor, I had an outer ear infection about three to four weeks ago. I scratched the inside of my ear with a Q-tip, and within two days it had swollen completely and shut. I went to Urgent Care and was prescribed with a 10-day course of Augmentin and ear drops. Three days after starting these medi... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. There are a couple of different possibilities here, and the most important one is arthritis due to cryoglobulinemia, which happens in people with long-standing hepatitis C history. The other possibility could be Parvovirus B19 infection. You should get tested for rheu... Read Full »
Why do my fingers turn blue when exposed to low temperatures?
Query: Hello doctor,I am a 27 year old woman. Two years ago, it happened for the first time that one of my fingers turned blue. A few seconds after that, it lost its color like it did not have oxygen and started to hurt. It comes in the winter, but nowadays, I have it on the other fingers on my hand and le... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is because of exposure to extremely low temperatures. Keep warm. Keep your hands covered when you are out at that temperature. Consume a warm diet. Rule out frostbite or chilblains. If you have any pain or discomfort or difficulty in movemen... Read Full »
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