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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Purple Discoloration Of Toes In A Lupus Patient?

I have lupus, and recently my toes have started turning very dark purple, the skin is hot and extremely tender to the touch, they are hot and the skin is tight around my nails, they are swollen and my joints ache constantly. This is all my toes, not just the big ones. Please help
posted on Sat, 31 Dec 2016
Twitter Tue, 7 Feb 2017 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 7 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
It is suggestive of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Raynaud's phenomenon is an important complication of lupus due to spasm of the smaller digital vessels of the fingers or toes. It causes the blood vessels of the hands and feet to spasm, especially upon exposure to cold. The blood supply to the fingers and/or toes then becomes compromised, causing blanching, whitish or bluish discoloration, and pain and numbness in the exposed fingers and toes.

In view of the above I advise you to consult your treating doctor for further evaluation and possible use of certain medications like calcium channel blockers to prevent this complication.

Hope this will help.
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What Causes Purple Discoloration Of Toes In A Lupus Patient?

Hi & Welcome. It is suggestive of Raynaud s phenomenon. Raynaud s phenomenon is an important complication of lupus due to spasm of the smaller digital vessels of the fingers or toes. It causes the blood vessels of the hands and feet to spasm, especially upon exposure to cold. The blood supply to the fingers and/or toes then becomes compromised, causing blanching, whitish or bluish discoloration, and pain and numbness in the exposed fingers and toes. In view of the above I advise you to consult your treating doctor for further evaluation and possible use of certain medications like calcium channel blockers to prevent this complication. Hope this will help.