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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Facial flushing, fingernail changes and oral involvement
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Facial flushing, fingernail changes and oral involvement
by borninquisitive, Aug 30, 2006 12:00AM
Hi Doc,
Thought that I would post here, beings that we do not have a dermatologist in town. One does pass through a few times a year but I would, if possible, get an idea of what this is and then pass this onto my doctor.
This year, I have had skin changes and in a number of places. Earlier this year, I noticed petichia spots on my inner thighs and had thought that perhaps the antibiotics that I was on were causing this. Mind you, there were only about 3-5 spots on each inner thigh. Eventually, after a number of months, these subsided but did also find a few on my upper, inner arms. Perhaps of no significance, considering the small numbers.
These didn’t occur due to “trauma.” I shoot rifles and get the same above my shoulder due to recoil, as well if I scratch too much due to mosquito bites and know when I’ve caused this.
Around the same time of taking these antibiotics (Cleocin), I developed raised areas (one each side) under my eyes and just above the cheekbones. Having both petichia and tiny like pimples. Finally, months later this too toned down. Under natural light and only when in my face, can you see the above-mentioned area: faint, very small yellowish brown spots left in its wake.
Around the same time, I experienced facial flushing. In gargling with mouthwash (for example) I would raise my head to be greeted with a beat red face in the mirror. First of all, I am not a “blusher” and never have been. My skin color is light olive with yellow (sallow) undertones. Not pink/red. I think this subsided too but here I am today, with much the same but not quite as intense. If I wrinkle my forehead, this is what I’m left with: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/forehead.jpg
Alcohol will worsen it. It seems to becoming permanent, as there is a slight blush constantly now. This too over my cheekbones, however I frequently experience acne.
Since around January and still present: I noticed red & white lines near the top of my fingernails. Just above the red horizontal (following the natural curve of my tips) is a whiter area before the tips.
I have looked at my family’s fingernails and do not find anyone having this. My toenails seem to be unaffected.
Photos (my hands were not pressed upon the backdrop):
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/fingernails.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/fingernails1.jpg
As well, there have been changes in my mouth as well. There are numerous thin veins running throughout my soft palate. In March, found a rubber growth in my lower jaw, under my front teeth. My dentist did exam it and was not worried. No discoloration and the feeling to her touch didn’t seem of concern.
However, wanted to keep an eye on my mouth, which may indicate developing “skin conditions.”
After nearly 7 months of developing dry skin (which was previously mixed), my hair and face have been getting oilier.
As a side note and while I know you are a dermatologist, thought I would add that I have laryngopharyngeal reflux (which is new) and have been experiencing what would seem like perimenopause (new this year too and something that my 38 year old sister is also experiencing) however, my TSH test is within normal limits. However, with the recent CBC did have an elevated White Blood Count (latter part of March, it was within normal limits).
I’ve had some issues regarding the G.I. and my doctor thinking it I.B.S.
I thought I would add this, in case you have patients with similar conditions that may be related to the skin?
I will say, all this is new to me and I feel rather “broke down.” I’ve never had problems in the past and when I did, they always cleared up. I don’t know what is going on.
Perhaps you have an idea as to the skin conditions and will print off your response and give to my GP if there is anything that you think we should look into.
Thanks much for your time,
Kate
Alaska
Age: 34
Thought that I would post here, beings that we do not have a dermatologist in town. One does pass through a few times a year but I would, if possible, get an idea of what this is and then pass this onto my doctor.
This year, I have had skin changes and in a number of places. Earlier this year, I noticed petichia spots on my inner thighs and had thought that perhaps the antibiotics that I was on were causing this. Mind you, there were only about 3-5 spots on each inner thigh. Eventually, after a number of months, these subsided but did also find a few on my upper, inner arms. Perhaps of no significance, considering the small numbers.
These didn’t occur due to “trauma.” I shoot rifles and get the same above my shoulder due to recoil, as well if I scratch too much due to mosquito bites and know when I’ve caused this.
Around the same time of taking these antibiotics (Cleocin), I developed raised areas (one each side) under my eyes and just above the cheekbones. Having both petichia and tiny like pimples. Finally, months later this too toned down. Under natural light and only when in my face, can you see the above-mentioned area: faint, very small yellowish brown spots left in its wake.
Around the same time, I experienced facial flushing. In gargling with mouthwash (for example) I would raise my head to be greeted with a beat red face in the mirror. First of all, I am not a “blusher” and never have been. My skin color is light olive with yellow (sallow) undertones. Not pink/red. I think this subsided too but here I am today, with much the same but not quite as intense. If I wrinkle my forehead, this is what I’m left with: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/forehead.jpg
Alcohol will worsen it. It seems to becoming permanent, as there is a slight blush constantly now. This too over my cheekbones, however I frequently experience acne.
Since around January and still present: I noticed red & white lines near the top of my fingernails. Just above the red horizontal (following the natural curve of my tips) is a whiter area before the tips.
I have looked at my family’s fingernails and do not find anyone having this. My toenails seem to be unaffected.
Photos (my hands were not pressed upon the backdrop):
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/fingernails.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y39/KateInAlaska/fingernails1.jpg
As well, there have been changes in my mouth as well. There are numerous thin veins running throughout my soft palate. In March, found a rubber growth in my lower jaw, under my front teeth. My dentist did exam it and was not worried. No discoloration and the feeling to her touch didn’t seem of concern.
However, wanted to keep an eye on my mouth, which may indicate developing “skin conditions.”
After nearly 7 months of developing dry skin (which was previously mixed), my hair and face have been getting oilier.
As a side note and while I know you are a dermatologist, thought I would add that I have laryngopharyngeal reflux (which is new) and have been experiencing what would seem like perimenopause (new this year too and something that my 38 year old sister is also experiencing) however, my TSH test is within normal limits. However, with the recent CBC did have an elevated White Blood Count (latter part of March, it was within normal limits).
I’ve had some issues regarding the G.I. and my doctor thinking it I.B.S.
I thought I would add this, in case you have patients with similar conditions that may be related to the skin?
I will say, all this is new to me and I feel rather “broke down.” I’ve never had problems in the past and when I did, they always cleared up. I don’t know what is going on.
Perhaps you have an idea as to the skin conditions and will print off your response and give to my GP if there is anything that you think we should look into.
Thanks much for your time,
Kate
Alaska
Age: 34
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 31, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 31, 2006 12:00AM
To be honest, the series of symptoms you list doesn't add up in my mind to anything, other than that you're worried in general and therefore paying closer attention than usual to your body. Little red spots on the thighs aren't necessarily petechiae, and even if they are, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your body as a whole, since that sort of problem would produce petechiae everywhere. I see no abnormality on your forehead. The white under the nail is usually air, which can be produced by trauma.
In short, I can't see or think of any skin disease.
Perhaps when a dermatologist does swing by, he or she will be able to see something in person that I can't. Meantime, perhaps you should talk to your GP about your health in general and your anxiety, if any, in particular.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
In short, I can't see or think of any skin disease.
Perhaps when a dermatologist does swing by, he or she will be able to see something in person that I can't. Meantime, perhaps you should talk to your GP about your health in general and your anxiety, if any, in particular.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
One other question I meant to ask (of no concern) but I am a "moley" person. I noticed that I have developed more (flush with skin) these last few years and I have read that this should stop around 40ish. Is this correct?
Sorry for the length of this letter, by the way.
I've entertained this thought. You notice something out of the ordinary, followed closely by what seems like another and nature tends to put you on alert.
>Little red spots on the thighs aren't necessarily petechiae, and even if they are, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your body as a whole, since that sort of problem would produce petechiae everywhere.<
This is what I had been thinking but good to hear if from someone who definitely would know.
>The white under the nail is usually air, which can be produced by trauma.<
I was referring to the red and white lines (which are on 8 fingers)and have been there for 8 months straight but if this didn't "stand out" to you, then I'll take that to mean a positive thing.
>In short, I can't see or think of any skin disease.<
Good. It seems that I read that 90% of systemic diseases reveal themselves in the skin (though admittedly, can't remember if this was only in the area of the mouth).
Thanks again, I'm glad I finally posted.
~Kate