Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey
Rheumatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am contacting you because I have Raynaud's, and in the past few months my cuticles have developed blood specks. I know these symptoms point to scleroderma. It has me very worried. I need to visit a doctor for tests but I have to wait a few days and I would really like to get some clarification on a few things. I get the impression that once you show these signs of specks in cuticles it definitely indicates scleroderma or some other autoimmune issue. Is it possible that I am wrong? I stopped getting manicures and the cuticles started getting very overgrown. Is it possible the specks in my cuticles are just because of this? Or maybe because my hands are dry and I have many hangnails? Another question I have is if I do ultimately have limited scleroderma CREST, is it common for these CREST patients to develop full-blown diffuse scleroderma? I am very stressed out about this. I am 26 years old female. Currently, I am taking Adderall and Citalopram.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I went through your post. The diagnosis of scleroderma is based on clinical and some laboratory parameters neither Raynauds nor the cuticle blood spots are specific for scleroderma. It is skin thickness that has a maximum value and blood tests like anticentromere antibody and anti-Scl 70 which has significance the blood vessels involvement is microscopic and is seen only with NFC (near-field communication) not by the naked eye and only ulcers if present can be seen by naked eye. So do not panic get tested and examined before you give yourself a diagnosis.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I appreciate this so much. Would you say the condition is likely or just possible? I have not seen any other explanation for these doubts.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Because you have sent images (attachment removed to protect patient identity) so let me tell you that scleroderma causes vasculopathy which involves the tip of fingers which is the most distal part of the finger. A nail fold capiliroscopy will confirm. Actually, I can see there is grade-one clubbing which is causing this edema. Because Raynaud is seen in many conditions or sometimes has benign etiology so needs to be investigated. However, I do not see any signs of scleroderma because I do not see skin thickness. It is just graded 1 clubbing.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I looked up clubbing. Is this going to progress? More importantly, it said the causes include lung cancer. I am 26 years old but I do smoke. Could it be that? And are you saying clubbing is not related to scleroderma?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Clubbing is not always progressive and not always due to cancer. Raymond's can also cause mild clubbing and the clubbing that you are saying is associated with cancer first presents with cancer and then leads to clubbing the best thing is to get investigated. Do ANA (anti-nuclear antibody), anti-Scl 70, anticentromere, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and CBC (complete blood count). I do not see that you have any features of scleroderma.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Rheumatology
Related Questions
Is Plaquenil beneficial in C.difficile colitis?
My cuticles have developed blood specks. Is it scleroderma?
My finger is swollen and I have poor blood circulation in my hands. What is the treatment?
Pelvic Pain
What can cause pain in pinky finger while moving?
Do you think that a skin test is enough to diagnose scleroderma?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
