Digital Ulcers and Bleach

[Ronald]

I was diagnosed with systemic Scleroderma back in 1987.  In 1984 I started to have problems with circulation in  the hands and feet.  Then the finger ulcers came, painful.  My doctor a specialist in that area at that time (1992) said to use a solution of warm water and 50% bleach and soak your finger tips in them to soften them.  Has anyone ever tried that?  I have a real painful one right now, I should say extremely painful on that throbs all the time.  Just wondering what others do.  I try to keep warm and cream on my hands (I know cream does not do anything for ulcers).

 

What do others do for the pain?

[Joelf]

Hi Ronald,

 

How nice to hear from you again, although I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering so much with your digital ulcers.

 

I must admit I've never heard of bleach as a remedy for digital ulcers and to be honest I would be extremely cautious about using such an approach. Bleach does sound a bit drastic to me; however, I'm not a doctor and so I would suggest you go to a Wound Care Centre and ask their advice about the best method of treatment.

 

Kind regards,

[Ronald]

Joelf, my ulcers are on my fingertips.  Rare that I get them elsewhere, but I do have one on my right foot, on the side of it and it causes no pain like the fingers do.

 

Glad to be back.  2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and extremely low vitamin D.  I am on treatment for that now as well.  I collect diseases. 

[ElaineB]

Hi Ronald, 

 

When I was a kid and got chicken pox (before vaccines) my mom, who was also a nurse, had me soak in a tub with a cup of baking soda mixed in.  I was covered in angry sores and it soothed the pain and itch.  It was an old remedy for inflammation of the skin.  It might be worth a try.  Sometimes old remedies might work.  

 

Hope you feel better.  Elaine.

[dimarzio]

Hi Ronald, I would be very worried about bleach coming into contact with my skin.

If the ulcers are open and not healing, I would give Manuka honey a try.  It has great healing properties and can help clear infections.  I recommended this to a relative with ulcers that would not heal for a couple of years and she said I was talking rubbish and suggesting quack remedies until a specialist on ulcers at the health centre gave her exactly the same advice.

 

Not all Manuka honey is pure, some is mixed with other honeys and sugars.  Be sure to get the pure stuff if you do try it.

[Ronald]

15 hours ago, dimarzio said:

Hi Ronald, I would be very worried about bleach coming into contact with my skin.

If the ulcers are open and not healing, I would give Manuka honey a try.  It has great healing properties and can help clear infections.  I recommended this to a relative with ulcers that would not heal for a couple of years and she said I was talking rubbish and suggesting quack remedies until a specialist on ulcers at the health centre gave her exactly the same advice.

 

Not all Manuka honey is pure, some is mixed with other honeys and sugars.  Be sure to get the pure stuff if you do try it.

Thanks, never heard of that before, just Googled it, very interesting. Thanks.