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What Causes Purple Discorloration On Hands?
Question: Suddenly on Saturday evening both hands turned purple. I first thought I must have unknowingly touched something, however, after scrubbing with various soaps, showering and repeating each process, they are still purple particularly on the knuckles and lines of my hands. I have no pain only minor swelling. What should I do?
Brief Answer:
Raynaud's syndrome...
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for posting.
I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns.
Basing on what you refer I can say that your symptoms are related to Raynaud's syndrome.
Raynaud's syndrome is a disease characterized by spasm of the arteries in the extremities, especially the hands and fingers.
To improve your hands conditions you should follow these precautions:
1. Avoid wet and cold environments.
2. Quit smoking cigarettes(if you smoke).
3. Physical exercises are also recommended because physical activity increases blood pressure and promotes blood circulation.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Vitamins, especially C, E and folic acid have a protective effect on the blood vessels.
To confirm the diagnosis you need:
- Hand doppler ultrasound.
- Complete blood count.
- Blood test for urea and electrolytes.
- Thyroid function test.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test.
- C-reactive protein test.
The results of these tests will help your doctor in determining the treatment.
Consult your rheumatologist.
Ask me for anything unclear.
All the best.
Dr. Behar.
Raynaud's syndrome...
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for posting.
I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns.
Basing on what you refer I can say that your symptoms are related to Raynaud's syndrome.
Raynaud's syndrome is a disease characterized by spasm of the arteries in the extremities, especially the hands and fingers.
To improve your hands conditions you should follow these precautions:
1. Avoid wet and cold environments.
2. Quit smoking cigarettes(if you smoke).
3. Physical exercises are also recommended because physical activity increases blood pressure and promotes blood circulation.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Vitamins, especially C, E and folic acid have a protective effect on the blood vessels.
To confirm the diagnosis you need:
- Hand doppler ultrasound.
- Complete blood count.
- Blood test for urea and electrolytes.
- Thyroid function test.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test.
- C-reactive protein test.
The results of these tests will help your doctor in determining the treatment.
Consult your rheumatologist.
Ask me for anything unclear.
All the best.
Dr. Behar.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello Doctor,
In addition to Raynaud's, what else could the problem suggest? The tests that you have recommended are to rule out exactly what disease(s)?
Thank you,
XXXX
In addition to Raynaud's, what else could the problem suggest? The tests that you have recommended are to rule out exactly what disease(s)?
Thank you,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
I have explained below...
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing back.
Except Raynaud's syndrome your symptoms might be related to Hypothyroidism(low activity of the thyroid gland) and blood clot.
However the highest probability is that you suffer from Raynaud's Syndrome because all symptoms that you are experiencing match to Raynaud's symptoms.
The tests that I recommended above are tests that find Raynaud's syndrome, Hypothyroidism and blood clot.
- Hand doppler ultrasound, to check blood vessels condition.
- Complete blood count(routine test).
- Blood test for urea and electrolytes(to check kidney function, because kidney injury can cause hand swelling).
- Thyroid function test, to exclude Hypothyroidism.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test(routine test).
- C-reactive protein test, to exclude systemic lupus erythematosus.
These tests will determine the exact diagnosis.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Behar.
I have explained below...
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing back.
Except Raynaud's syndrome your symptoms might be related to Hypothyroidism(low activity of the thyroid gland) and blood clot.
However the highest probability is that you suffer from Raynaud's Syndrome because all symptoms that you are experiencing match to Raynaud's symptoms.
The tests that I recommended above are tests that find Raynaud's syndrome, Hypothyroidism and blood clot.
- Hand doppler ultrasound, to check blood vessels condition.
- Complete blood count(routine test).
- Blood test for urea and electrolytes(to check kidney function, because kidney injury can cause hand swelling).
- Thyroid function test, to exclude Hypothyroidism.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test(routine test).
- C-reactive protein test, to exclude systemic lupus erythematosus.
These tests will determine the exact diagnosis.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Behar.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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