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What Causes Nail Discoloration?
Question: My thumbs are turning very pale so that the lunula is lightly visible. No dark bands anywhere else in the nail. Other fingers are just pale pink and normal looking. I also have palmar erythema and have for several years. I'm on meds for hypertension and smoke. White male. 40 years old. 6'2", 230 lbs.
I do have a bone spure at C3/C4 that my surgeon said is basically arthitis and he said I've mild scoliosis. I was diagnosed at 38 which he said was young and it's really not operable. Proposed cortisone shots and NSAIDs but i take neither. I prefer to stay off any meds if I can.
I do have a bone spure at C3/C4 that my surgeon said is basically arthitis and he said I've mild scoliosis. I was diagnosed at 38 which he said was young and it's really not operable. Proposed cortisone shots and NSAIDs but i take neither. I prefer to stay off any meds if I can.
Brief Answer:
Nail changes are related to smoking
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have carefully read your query and understand your concern.
The nail and finger changes i your case most possible represent secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
These changes are reflection of underlying microcirculation changes due to smoking.
The palmar erythema can be due excess blood flow to the hand due to elevated red cell mass called Smoker's Polycythemia.
This stage is absolutely benign and changes are largely reversible.
The pink colour is good sign indicator
I strongly recommend you to give up smoking as these finger changes are liable to turn necrotic and ulcerate in the due course which can span to 5-10years from here on.
If the changes does not reverse within 3-6 months of quitting smoking,i advice you to have an Arterial doppler of the involved limb.
Weight loss also aids in the process.It helps to control your blood pressure
Keep track of your spine pathology by annual MRI scans.
Nsaids can be safely used in presence of pain and arthritis.
I hope this info is helpful to you,
Thank you
Nail changes are related to smoking
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I have carefully read your query and understand your concern.
The nail and finger changes i your case most possible represent secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
These changes are reflection of underlying microcirculation changes due to smoking.
The palmar erythema can be due excess blood flow to the hand due to elevated red cell mass called Smoker's Polycythemia.
This stage is absolutely benign and changes are largely reversible.
The pink colour is good sign indicator
I strongly recommend you to give up smoking as these finger changes are liable to turn necrotic and ulcerate in the due course which can span to 5-10years from here on.
If the changes does not reverse within 3-6 months of quitting smoking,i advice you to have an Arterial doppler of the involved limb.
Weight loss also aids in the process.It helps to control your blood pressure
Keep track of your spine pathology by annual MRI scans.
Nsaids can be safely used in presence of pain and arthritis.
I hope this info is helpful to you,
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I'm also a heavy alcohol user. Is there a connection between all of these different things? All signs combined?
Brief Answer:
Alcohol has contributory effects to its pathology
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes definitely alcohol can also contribute to pathology.
You better avoid it too.
Meanwhile drug called Nifedepine can help to hasten the recovery and prevent ulceration.
It can effective in doses of 10 mg.
Note;this drug has to be taken under strict medical supervision.
Thank you
Alcohol has contributory effects to its pathology
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes definitely alcohol can also contribute to pathology.
You better avoid it too.
Meanwhile drug called Nifedepine can help to hasten the recovery and prevent ulceration.
It can effective in doses of 10 mg.
Note;this drug has to be taken under strict medical supervision.
Thank you
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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