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What Causes Wrinkling Skin On The Fingers?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016
Question: I have had a strange phenomenon happening mainly with my left hand. The fingers get wrinkled (like I've had them submerged in water) then it goes away. I'm 49 years old, and this has been happening for a few months now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. The cause of wrinkling on fingers and fingertips without water can be many like

: Excessive sweating

: Fluid imbalance in body like hormonal problems e.g. hyper or hypothyroidism, ADH deficiency, cortisol imbalance

: Age and family history

: Connective tissue disorder like lupus erythematosis, Sclerosis

: Fibromyalgia

: Autonomic disturbance in hand and fingers like in peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon.

You need to consult dermatologist whenever you develop such symptoms again. He will investigate you after examining you. Also note few features and tell me

: Any change in skin texture over body
: History of some skin disease in family
: Do you smoke regularly
: Is there any history of diabetes, thyroid dysfunction?
: Is there any problem in digestion, recent jaundice, or any illness, which persisted for long?

All these answers will help me in reaching unto some conclusion. Then I will describe you what investigation do you need and what will be the treatment of it.

Hope you got my point. If still in doubt, do let me know. Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (4 days later)
In regards to your follow-up questions: No change in skin texture over body, family medical history is unknown, I do not smoke or use drugs (to include alcohol), digestion is normal, and illnesses (common cold or flu) are extremely rare. The episodes with the fingers are not consistent but rather intermittent. My age could be an indication of hormonal fluctuation. Thank you for your interest in my concerns.

Sincerely and respectfully, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Differential Diagnosis of disease and approach

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, welcome back.


I have read your clinical history. I really appreciate your efforts to answere my all questions. According to it, autoimmune and connective tissue disorders are ruled out. You are right that the cause could be

: Age related skin changes
: Hormonal imbalance

To confirm it, my advise is consult dermatologist and get hormone level done. Investigations which are required to confirm are

: Thyroid function test - T3, T4 and TSH level

: Blood sugar level. If high, get HbA1c level done also.

: Serum cortisol level

After ruling out all causes, we can suspect "age" as the causative factor. Further treatment will depend upon the level of hormone.

Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.
If any doubt, do let me know.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ishu Bishnoi

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 901 Questions

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What Causes Wrinkling Skin On The Fingers?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. The cause of wrinkling on fingers and fingertips without water can be many like : Excessive sweating : Fluid imbalance in body like hormonal problems e.g. hyper or hypothyroidism, ADH deficiency, cortisol imbalance : Age and family history : Connective tissue disorder like lupus erythematosis, Sclerosis : Fibromyalgia : Autonomic disturbance in hand and fingers like in peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's phenomenon. You need to consult dermatologist whenever you develop such symptoms again. He will investigate you after examining you. Also note few features and tell me : Any change in skin texture over body : History of some skin disease in family : Do you smoke regularly : Is there any history of diabetes, thyroid dysfunction? : Is there any problem in digestion, recent jaundice, or any illness, which persisted for long? All these answers will help me in reaching unto some conclusion. Then I will describe you what investigation do you need and what will be the treatment of it. Hope you got my point. If still in doubt, do let me know. Thanks. Take care.