I am 22 years old and I have been having red blotches on my fingertips, I notice them more sometimes than others. I don't know if this makes a difference or not but I have some red raised spots on my face where blood vessels show up. Sometimes the ones on the fingers are slightly sensitive but never swollen, and never show up any where else. I've tried to look this up and couldn't find anything that sounded like what this is. Any help would be great.

-Janice

It's pretty hard to diagnose something like that without being able to have a look (I happen to be a doctor, by the way.) The possibities range from more or less normal to possibly serious. Temperature, stress, etc, can affect the circulation to the fingers. There are conditions such as raynaud's disease or raynaud's phenomenon that can have more significance. It could even reflect infections in the bloodstream. I infer you aren't feeling bad otherwise, so the odds are huge that it's not anything to worry about. But given the range of possibilities, the best advice is to have it checked out.

My fingers never get white so that just about rules out Raynaud's.

To give you some other info about me that may or may not help:
Since I was 8 years old my joints have hurt especially with bad weather. I usedto only use an ace bandage to help with the pain but for the last couple of years I've taken ibueprofen at least once a day, usually 2, with sometimes that not enough and will need to use an ace bandage to help. I have never been tested or diagnosed for any bone or joint problems.

I also have the Ebstein Barr Virus and many recurrences of mono. if I don't get enough rest.

I've had granuloma anulare on my foot but it was gone after topical steroid treatments.

I think I have VERY similar sypmtoms of hypoglyciemia that I control with diet usually.

Again, I have no clue if this helps or not. I couldn't find ANY pics or info about what I have, I've just been noticing this more and more on my fingers. THought they might have been chemical burns or something at first but doubt it now.

*shrugs* Thanks for the info so far
-Janice

Are your fingertips red all of the time? I have this and it never goes away. I have been having other health concenrs since this happened. I have seen a rheumatologist, 2 neurologists, my family doctor and my pregnancy doctor. None of them know waht it is. Please let me know if you find out

Hello,
I'm not sure if I have the answer for you but... I was diagnosed with DLE (Discoid Lupus Erythematosus) four years ago. It all started with red raised blotches on my face, arms, chest & shoulders. I figured out by myself after going to many doctors that it happened after being in the sun for an extended period of time. I asked for blood work to be done and it came back negative for Lupus. It wasn't until I went to a dermatologist and she took a biopsy of my skin, was it diagnosed. The past year I have noticed red blotches on my fingertips and my thumb nails have pulled away from the bed in some areas. I've been to several doctors and they all can't figure out what is causing the redness or the nail problem. I know it's from the DLE. Although my Lupus is not systemic, I have lots of problems with my skin and have to be very careful in the sun. Lupus, as I understand it, effects the joints, causing arthritis. I don't have the joint pain since mine is not systemic. I don't know if this will help you, just thought I'd pass on my own history for a little insight. You might consider seeing a rheumatologist and being checked for Lupus. Although that didn't help me the first time. All I can say is, don't give up and have as many tests done as you feel you need. I'm still looking for a doctor that will confirm what I know myself. Good luck to you.