Persistent Redness in My Hands
Age 24, weight 128 lbs, height 6 feet with no ongoing medications: To give some context, I began experiencing this issue around March 2023. Initially, it seemed to worsen, but for the past few months, the condition has remained stable without significant improvement. My previous doctor suspects I might have Raynaud's phenomenon; however, my symptoms do not align perfectly with this diagnosis. On hot days, I notice my fingers and the palms of my hands turn an intense red, indicating an abnormal increase in blood flow—something that doesn’t typically occur with Raynaud's. Stressful mental situations seem to trigger this redness as well. In cold conditions, my fingers often turn cold and red, suggesting a lack of adequate blood flow. I suspect that I may have injured my fingers due to my severe OCD. For about two years, I engaged in a repetitive behavior of hanging from a bar to stretch my spine and shoulders. While doing this, I would maintain my grip for a maximum of five minutes multiple times a day, causing post-exercise discomfort in my fingers. This behavior, which was a compulsive act stemming from my OCD, might have resulted in some damage over time, a possibility supported by my doctor and rheumatologist. After undergoing blood tests, the initial screening for autoimmunity returned positive for ANA, but subsequent tests showed no signs of autoimmune issues. Interestingly, I’ve observed that elevating my hands temporarily alleviates the redness, returning them to a normal color within moments. When resting or sleeping, my hands typically appear white or their standard shade, but physical exertion or lifting heavy weights tends to reignite the redness. The rheumatologist examined my capillaries at the fingertip using a microscope and found them to be normal, leaving me perplexed about the ongoing symptoms. Heat exposure and sunlight also exacerbate the redness, and I had a concerning incident recently where I fainted after a blood draw, noticing my hands had turned red just before I lost consciousness. Upon waking, they resumed their normal color, similar to how they appeared prior to 2023. I believe this episode was linked to a drop in my blood pressure from 110 to 90. My previous healthcare providers proposed blood pressure medication to address this, but considering my baseline readings are typically low (around 108/62), taking such medication could pose risks. I prefer to explore natural remedies instead of relying solely on pharmaceuticals. My hands do not experience significant pain, except perhaps a bit of discomfort when lifting heavy items; mostly, I can manage heavy weights with ease. Nevertheless, it is quite embarrassing to have visibly reddened hands, especially in public settings like school or work. Any assistance or insights you might provide would be greatly valued! I'm also open to discussing this further via direct message or comments. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 11:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
The persistent redness in your hands, particularly in response to heat, stress, and physical activity, is certainly concerning and can be quite bothersome in social situations. Based on the details you've provided, it seems your symptoms may be multifaceted, including possible vascular responses and effects from repetitive hand strain. Here are the key points and actionable steps to consider:
Key Points:
- Redness Triggers: The redness you experience during stress or heat may indicate an increased blood flow in response to those stimuli, which can be separate from Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Physical Activity Link: The discomfort following heavy lifting and your past repetitive activities may contribute to your symptoms, possibly indicating vascular or nerve irritation in your hands.
- Blood Pressure Considerations: Low blood pressure episodes and transient redness can intertwine, especially if your blood vessels are overreacting.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a diary of when the redness occurs, including associated activities, temperature changes, and emotional states. This can help identify specific triggers and patterns over a few weeks.
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Avoid Triggers:
- Minimize extremely hot environments and manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga. Gentle stretching and gradually increasing grip strength might help without stressing your hands too much.
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Hand Care:
- When your hands show redness, try elevating them, as you've noted this helps. Consider taking breaks when lifting heavy objects to rest your hands, and implementing stretches or strengthening exercises focusing on your grip.
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Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to help support vascular health. Avoid excessive caffeine, which can impact blood pressure and may stress your vascular system.
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Consider Natural Remedies:
- Some find relief from vascular issues with natural supplements like fish oil or magnesium, but discuss these with a healthcare provider before starting.
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Stay Connected with Healthcare Providers:
- Since you have a complex situation with fluctuating blood pressure and past potential autoimmune concerns, continue consulting with a healthcare provider who understands your history and can help navigate these symptoms. A referral to a specialist in vascular health may also provide further insights.
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Emergency Preparedness:
- Given your recent fainting episode, make a plan for what to do if it occurs again (such as sitting down immediately, staying hydrated, and discussing preventive strategies with a healthcare provider).
It’s important to approach this gradually, focusing on manageable changes while continuing to support your overall health. Please feel free to reach out if you have more specific questions or if you'd like to discuss certain aspects further. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as addressing your physical symptoms, so ensure you’re seeking support for your OCD as needed.
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