Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Blue Discoloration And Pain In The Thumb?
My mom is 90 years old, she has a heart valve problem (just a background). The issue currently is a quarter size purplish/blue spot on her thumb with swelling, redness and pain. It started from a tiny white bump on her skin. She did not prick her skin at all prior to the tiny white bump appearing. This is her third strange infection on her fingers in less than 6 months.
Thu, 27 Apr 2017
Hello
Thanks for posting here.
As per your description it seems that she develops clots or emboli in the small arteries of the hand which leads to obstruction in blood supply and hence pain, swelling and redness.
Sometimes vegetations (bacterial growths on valves) can lead to embolism or throwing away of clots from the heart to distant vessels, in this case arteries of her hand.
Please do a 2 D echo to rule out these vegetations on the valves.
Another important cause may be atherosclerosis of the hand arteries due to old age. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to thin out leading to deficinecy of blood supply and the above symptoms. In that case a upper limb doppler is adviced but since it involves only the thumb or finger it is unlikely to be picked up by a doppler scan.
I advice you to do a 2 D echo and start her on blood thinners like Ecosprin 75-150 mg. She should do well on that. If 2d echo does not show any vegetations, you can start her on tablet Trental 400 mg twice a day, which is a medication that increases the microcirculation.
wishing her good health
Regards
Thanks for posting here.
As per your description it seems that she develops clots or emboli in the small arteries of the hand which leads to obstruction in blood supply and hence pain, swelling and redness.
Sometimes vegetations (bacterial growths on valves) can lead to embolism or throwing away of clots from the heart to distant vessels, in this case arteries of her hand.
Please do a 2 D echo to rule out these vegetations on the valves.
Another important cause may be atherosclerosis of the hand arteries due to old age. Atherosclerosis causes the arteries to thin out leading to deficinecy of blood supply and the above symptoms. In that case a upper limb doppler is adviced but since it involves only the thumb or finger it is unlikely to be picked up by a doppler scan.
I advice you to do a 2 D echo and start her on blood thinners like Ecosprin 75-150 mg. She should do well on that. If 2d echo does not show any vegetations, you can start her on tablet Trental 400 mg twice a day, which is a medication that increases the microcirculation.
wishing her good health
Regards
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....