[22F] Experiencing finger swelling, discoloration, and pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, often in the hands and fingers. The fact that you have hard, painful bumps in your fingers and difficulty bending them could be indicative of this condition.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the disease's progression, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Raynaud's Disease: This condition causes some areas of your body, like your fingers, to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. The blue discoloration you mentioned, especially when your fingers are submerged in water, could be a sign of this disease.

  • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes to manage symptoms, such as avoiding cold temperatures and managing stress, and in severe cases, medications to improve blood flow.

• Dermatitis: This is a general term that describes inflammation of the skin. It can lead to itchy, red, and swollen skin, which you have described.

  • Treatment usually involves identifying and avoiding substances that irritate your skin, using creams to control itching and repair the skin, and taking oral medications for severe cases.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's also possible that the symptoms you're experiencing are side effects of your medications.

What you can do

You should definitely consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to manage your symptoms:

1. Apply a cold compress to your fingers to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
2. Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, to help with the pain and swelling.
3. Keep your hands elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
4. Avoid cold temperatures and try to manage stress, as these can trigger Raynaud's disease symptoms.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden worsening of symptoms
• Difficulty moving your fingers
• Severe pain
• Symptoms spreading to other parts of your body

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.