OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Hand Condition: Seeking Guidance

I’m reaching out in hope of finding some clarity regarding my hand issues, as I am quite worried. I’m a 35-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 150 pounds. My current medications include propranolol for essential tremors, losartan for high blood pressure, acyclovir as mentioned later, and NSAIDs to help alleviate pain. This troubling situation has persisted for over two months. Although my primary care physician wasn't able to see me in person, they prescribed a steroid cream online. I have refrained from using it, fearing it might aggravate my condition. In a desperate move, I consulted a family member who practices medicine and requested antivirals (acyclovir), suspecting I might have herpetic whitlow. The symptoms have affected both hands but started primarily on my right hand, where the signs are most pronounced. Initially, I noticed subtle lumps beneath the skin in my fingertips, which were tender when touched. I experienced varying sensations of burning, tingling, and numbness, accompanied by a persistent dull pain that worsens with any hand activity, including typing this message. This was the situation I described to my PCP when it began. After a 10-day course of acyclovir, I noticed some relief, but unfortunately, the discomfort has returned. I’ve resumed taking the antivirals, yet I’m not seeing any improvement this time, which leads me to question whether my initial assessment of whitlow was correct. My suspicion arose a few months ago when I felt the onset of what I thought was a cold sore. Although I haven’t had one since childhood, I know I carry the HSV virus. I felt a familiar sensation in the corner of my mouth and assumed I was about to develop a cold sore, but that never materialized. Soon after, I accidentally cut the index finger of my right hand while using a vegetable peeler. I cleaned the cut and bandaged it, continuing with my kitchen tasks. A few days later, I noticed a discomforting sensation on another finger of the same hand (as seen in one of the fingertip images), but dismissed it as a common kitchen burn. It was several days after that when the tingling and pain first emerged. To protect my hands, I’ve been wearing cotton gloves constantly. I’ve even avoided makeup for months due to concerns about touching my face. I feel apprehensive about physical contact with my partner, pets, or even myself. As an artist, this has significantly hindered my work at a crucial time. The medication has also caused adverse effects, including stomach upset, brain fog, and heightened sensitivity to sunlight. This has made life particularly challenging in the warm climate of the Southwest. I am at my breaking point and truly uncertain about my next steps. I’m contemplating a visit to urgent care this weekend, but I'm reaching out in hopes that someone here might recognize my condition and offer helpful advice. I desperately wish for a resolution to this persistent issue. Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide.

Answers (1)

3/28/2025, 8:01:14 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort in your hands due to your ongoing symptoms, and it's understandable to feel anxious about it. The combination of tingling, numbness, tenderness, and pain, along with your past exposure to the HSV virus, does raise important considerations for management and diagnosis. Here’s a structured approach to your situation.

Main Points:

1. Persistent hand symptoms may suggest a condition that requires further evaluation, especially considering the discomfort and past HSV exposure.
2. Your experience with antiviral medications like acyclovir seems to have provided temporary relief, but the recurrence of symptoms indicates that further assessment is necessary.
3. Protecting your hands and alleviating pain while seeking a diagnosis is crucial.

Explanation:

Your symptoms suggest a complex situation that may be related to several factors, including potential viral infections like herpetic whitlow, neuropathy, or skin conditions. The lumps and tenderness, along with tingling and pain, are not uncommon in some nerve-related issues, but without a thorough examination, it’s challenging to pinpoint the cause accurately.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for over two months and have affected your daily life and work, it’s essential to prioritize appropriate steps toward diagnosis and treatment.

Next Steps:

1. Visit Urgent Care or a Specialist: Given your persistent symptoms and the ineffectiveness of current treatments, it's advisable to see a health professional who can perform a thorough examination. A dermatologist or a neurologist may be particularly helpful in assessing skin and nerve-related concerns.

2. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, any triggers, and what relief measures have (or haven't) worked. This can help provide clarity to healthcare professionals.

3. Follow Proper Use of Medications: While you have concerns about the steroid cream, if a healthcare provider recommends its use, it may be to alleviate inflammation. Discuss your fears with them to understand its potential benefits and risks fully. Don't hesitate to mention the side effects you're experiencing from acyclovir during your next visit.

4. Focus on Self-Care:

   • Continue to protect your hands with gloves when doing tasks that might aggravate the condition.
   • Consider gentle hand exercises to maintain mobility, as tolerated.
   • Apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation and soothe symptoms after use.
   • Stay hydrated and consider anti-inflammatory foods to support overall health and reduce discomfort.

5. Monitor Your Mental Health: Feeling overwhelmed by your symptoms is completely normal. Don't hesitate to reach out for emotional support or counseling, as coping with chronic conditions can be challenging.

I hope this advice helps you take the next steps toward finding relief and answers for your condition. Please keep me updated on your progress and let me know if you have additional questions or concerns.