Finger sclerosis is not a well-known condition, but it affects more than half of diabetic patients. It is an uncommon form of diabetic neuropathy in which the outer layers of the skin separate from the underlying tissue, causing the nails to thicken and become pitted. This condition occurs when pressure on the nerves in your fingers becomes too much for them due to excess blood flow. In most cases, the nails are only affected and do not progress into sclerotic stages. However, advanced finger sclerosis can lead to more serious conditions such as avascular necrosis if left untreated. That’s why it’s important for you to know about finger sclerosis sooner rather than later.
What is Finger Sclerosis?
Sclerosis is a condition in which the outer layers of the skin separate from the underlying tissue. This separation can progress to the point where the nail is no longer attached to the finger. The term “sclero” comes from the Greek word “sclern”, meaning “to cut.”
In finger sclerosis, the nail becomes thick and brittle, and the nail bed becomes inflamed and painful. Other complications may occur including the formation of yellowish-white lesions on the fingers. If the separation continues, the nail and skin may eventually detach completely.
As finger sclerosis damages the nerves in your fingers, you may experience numbness, tingling, or pain. You may struggle with your ability to grip, write, or perform specific tasks like tying your shoes.
Causes of Finger Sclerosis
Pressure on nerves: Sclerotic lesions are caused by excess blood flow in the tissues, which can be due to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or nerve damage from injury, infection, or disease.
Sclerotic lesions are caused by excess blood flow in the tissues, which can be due to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or nerve damage from injury, infection, or disease. Age: The risk of developing sclerotic lesions increases with age. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop them.
The risk of developing sclerotic lesions increases with age. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop them. Immune system disorders: Disorders that affect the immune system can also increase the risk of developing sclerotic lesions.
Symptoms of Finger Sclerosis
A painful, swollen, or red finger. Pain when picking up dropped objects or trying to grasp or grip. The nail may become white and opaque. Tingling or numbness in the finger’s skin. A white, yellow, or yellowish-white spot on the finger’s skin.
Diagnostic Procedures for Finger Sclerosis
As sclerotic finger lesions are uncommon and can occur at any age, you may have to visit your doctor several times before they are able to diagnose it. The doctor will likely perform several tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These tests may include:
- Blood tests to check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) is to check your heart rhythm.
- An EKG to check the electrical activity of your heart.
Finger Sclerotherapy for Severing the Nerve Supply to the Skin
In this procedure, a small tube is inserted into the affected finger to draw off a small amount of fluid. This fluid contains a chemical that helps to sever the nerve supply to the skin. The fluid will enter the blood vessels of the skin and damage the nerves, severing the connection between the nail and the finger.
This sclerosis treatment is effective, but it is recommended only for mild-to-moderate cases. It may be used in combination with medications to minimize side effects. It is important to note that this procedure comes with significant risks and should only be performed by a doctor experienced in sclerosis treatments.
Treatment for Finger Sclerosiaincluding Taping and Exercise
There are a few things you can do to help prevent finger sclerosis including keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure under control. If you have nerve damage, you may benefit from taping your fingers while they heal. You can also try strengthening your grip by using a rubber exercise ball or gripping blocks.
To strengthen your grip, use rubber exercise balls or gripping blocks. This will help to maintain the strength of your fingers. Try to squeeze the ball with your fingers, then with your wrists. You should also try to maintain a neutral grip while holding objects.
Conclusion
Finger sclerosis is more common in people with diabetes than non-diabetics, but it can also happen to people who don’t have diabetes. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of finger sclerosis including painful, swollen, or red fingers, pain when picking up dropped objects or trying to grasp or grip, and the nail becoming white or opaque while a yellow, white, or yellowish-white spot on the skin.
As finger sclerosis including sclerotic nail damage is not common, it’s important to know what it is and how to treat it. Keep in mind that certain lifestyle changes and treatments may be able to help prevent finger sclerosis including sclero-nail damage.