Is this Chilblains ?

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Armitage.Shanks

Original Poster:

2,446 posts

92 months

Wednesday 26th January 2022
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Given the only GP appointment I can get is a telephone one I'm figuring it's not a lot of use when you need to see something?

Google has led me down the path of Chilblains............

I've had these symptoms on my fingers before and they usually clear up after a few weeks but this time it seems to have come back with a vengeance? Both hands various places on the finger and even a small spot on the tip of the middle finger making typing a pain!

Starts as a pink/red raised spot(s) that itches but is painful to touch or press. More noticeable when it covers a knuckle and you bend your finger.

Based on the last time I've ruled out changes in diet, soap, medication etc and think I get it in winter when its cold despite the fact I don't work outside etc.

Any clues and if it is Chilblains was the best treatment as the itching/pain is driving me mad.

Today:


Last week:



Riley Blue

21,634 posts

233 months

Wednesday 26th January 2022
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Pop into your nearest pharmacist, they'll be able to deal with chilblains or tell you if it's something else.

liner33

10,780 posts

209 months

Wednesday 26th January 2022
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Looks like them but i have never seen them that bad

Might be worth trying these silver gloves , they are great and they do fingerless as well

https://www.raynaudsdisease.com/raynauds-gloves.ht...

Armitage.Shanks

Original Poster:

2,446 posts

92 months

Wednesday 26th January 2022
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Pharmacy, good idea. I'll take my wallet as I expect they'll try to flog me no end of potions.

MitchT

16,240 posts

216 months

Wednesday 26th January 2022
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Looks like chilblains. My OH gets them and hers look like that.

Armitage.Shanks

Original Poster:

2,446 posts

92 months

Wednesday 26th January 2022
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So I got a telephone consultation and whilst I was suggesting Chilblains from Dr Google searchinig the Doc says she'll see me on Friday to take a look!

Armitage.Shanks

Original Poster:

2,446 posts

92 months

Friday 28th January 2022
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Update on seeing the Doctor.

Looks like Chilblains. Not Reynards or Lupus but a blood test has been recommended to rule anything else out. Great opportunity to discuss general health overview as this Covid lark gives you a longer appointment when you eventually get one.

Can be prescribed a tablet (Nifedipine) to prevent it occurring but it's 1 x day every day; or like some skiers opt to take it prior to and during winter sports only.

I'll give it a try to see if it clears it up any quicker than normal but otherwise I'm not opting for the tablet treatment.

Derek Smith

46,506 posts

255 months

Friday 28th January 2022
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When I were a lad . . .

I had a couple of aunts who experienced identical blisters on their hands. They had them on feet as well. Itching they said, and very tender. They both worked at the time, and a slight knock could cause a lot of pain.

Caused mainly we were told through exposure to freezing temperatures, including winds, so an early introduction to chill factor there for me. Both worked in cold factories.

'Put your gloves on. You don't want chillblains.' was the chant at me as a young lad trying to appear cool.

Once the weather got warmer, they seemed to go of their own account.

Armitage.Shanks

Original Poster:

2,446 posts

92 months

Tuesday 6th December 2022
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FFS They're back with a vengeance! This time I've somehow ended up with them on my toes and you don't want to stump your toe on the leg of a table like I did!

I'm going to try taking those tablets this time to see if they disperse any quicker and next time as soon as I get a snifter they're coming start the tablets!

Until 5yrs ago I never got anything like this!





Edited by Armitage.Shanks on Wednesday 7th December 12:03

Imasurv

454 posts

91 months

Thursday 8th December 2022
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I get chill blains every winter on my fingers and toes and they are pain in the ar5e. Went to the Drs a few years ago and was prescribed cortico steroid cream to remove them - to be used sparingly and for no longer than twice a day for 2/3 days which normally does the trick. I was also prescribed some cream to deal with the discomfort which never really worked.

Jordie Barretts sock

6,018 posts

26 months

Thursday 8th December 2022
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No idea why you wouldn't take a tablet every day to prevent that. Seems like the obvious solution.

I take Alopurinol every day to prevent gout. It's a no brainer.

Slowboathome

4,460 posts

51 months

Thursday 8th December 2022
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I had a similar problem a few years ago, though not as extensive or severe as yours OP. GP thought it was chilblains and suggested I try Hirudoid Cream and/or Snowfire ointment. I vaguely remember that they did the trick so might be worth a try.

Badda

2,902 posts

89 months

Thursday 8th December 2022
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Armitage.Shanks said:
Update on seeing the Doctor.

Looks like Chilblains. Not Reynards or Lupus but a blood test has been recommended to rule anything else out. Great opportunity to discuss general health overview as this Covid lark gives you a longer appointment when you eventually get one.

Can be prescribed a tablet (Nifedipine) to prevent it occurring but it's 1 x day every day; or like some skiers opt to take it prior to and during winter sports only.

I'll give it a try to see if it clears it up any quicker than normal but otherwise I'm not opting for the tablet treatment.
OP moans about GP appointments and in the same breath obtains a same day telephone consultation with a follow up f2f two days later (where it’s obvious he had lots more stored up to talk about).

People’s expectations of primary care are absolutely incredible and makes me very sad for our GPs who simply cannot meet these insane expectations.

Armitage.Shanks

Original Poster:

2,446 posts

92 months

Friday 9th December 2022
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Badda said:
People’s expectations of primary care are absolutely incredible and makes me very sad for our GPs who simply cannot meet these insane expectations.
My expectations are that I should be able to ‘consult’ a doctor when I have a problem if self help or a pharmacy cannot advise. In this case sending pictures via the telephone referral service I was happy to take advice over the phone so somewhat surprised when they said they wanted to see me as I expected others needs more pressing than mine.

I rarely see a GP and the last time was when they offered me the over 50s health checkup and as I’m responsible for my health. The result was I have no ‘issues’ that need to be controlled by regular medication like statins etc. Unlike some I don’t believe in taking prescribed medication when I don’t have to (I am not an anti-vaxer either) as invariably thee will be some side effect.

As a ‘patient’ over my lifetime I am probably one of the very few that has had to rely on NHS treatment, I know the demands they are under and sympathise given I had a career in the public sector. The telephone advice service is a good thing given it could take me 3 weeks to get an appointment to see a GP. I could go on about malingerers and those whose ‘illnesses’ are drink/drug related who clog up the system but I’m only talking about chilblains and not piles!

Thanks for the other posters advice on the ointment.