What Causes Recurrent Swelling In Fingers?

Posted on Sat, 24 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi
I've had recurring episodes wit the same 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) getting inflamed for a week or so, then the skin hardens and becomes wax like, then eventually peals. Entire episode lasts 4-5 weeks. My ESR was 30 during the skin hardening stage but dsDNA, Centromere B IgG, MPO, PR3, ANA and XXXXXXX screen were all negative. Episodes occur 4-5 times/year on same fingers on right hand but for the most recent episode also on the tip of my left index finger. Any idea what is going on? My doctor doesn't have any answers.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can u send a pic for the episode.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that can u send the pic of the inflammatory episode . This can also be due to chill blain sometimes . Also I would like to know abput your thyroid status and whether HLA B 27 has been done because it can be dactylitis also . Any history of psoriasis in the family ?

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)

I am not sure how to send a picture to you. I have pictures documenting the episodes but don't know how to send them. Is there an email address? Please advise. When my fingers swell they look like the images I've seen on the web of dactylitis.
Also no history of thyroid problems or psoriasis in the family. I did not see HLA B27 on my blood work results.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

You can contact the website people and they will help you in uploading the pic . If its dactylitis then investigations will need to be done further .

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (5 hours later)

I just uploaded picture with showing my thumb and index finger while they were inflammed. I also have pictures of the skin hardening and pealing stages. Please advise as to what further testing you recommend.

Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well it looks like dactylitis only , I think you need to get HLA b 27 done . Do you have any history of backache , history of psoriasis , any history of blood in stools , any history of uveitis .

Sometimes , if you have a stomach infection , loose stools etc then also you can have reactive arthritis in which dactylitis can be a manifestation .

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar