blood vessels popping in fingers

[sun03]

in the last two weeks i have had three blood vessels just pop in my fingers. i was not doing anything out of the ordinary. what could be causing this? should there be a cause for concern?

[kellym]

Honestly I don't know anything about Hepatitis C and don't want to get you all weirded out but I read the other forums when I'm bored and on the Hepatitis one there is a poster whom had a husband having several painful blood blisters on his hands. Like I said I'm sure it's nothing but I thought I would mention it.

[sun03]

its not blood blisters,its a blood vessel under the skin like your vein pops and then there is a bruise for about 2 days then it goes away

[kellym]

I'm sorry, I hope I didn't alarm you. This person said blisters.

[sun03]

thats ok just want to know if i need to be concerned i don't have any insurance so thats why i haven't called a dr.

[santarene]

I also have this symptom. It has been happening for at least 2 years, at least once a month. My blood pressure is 90/60. It usually happens on the palm side of  various fingers, but in April, I had one rupture on my knuckle. I'm very interested in any comments.

[bobbi13]

So what is it??

[nanajo]

Has anyone found out what the broken blood vessels in the fingers mean?  

[Duwa]

this occured when i about 2 months old and in my ears

[Lorraine630]

I've had this problem about 10 years ago.  I would get a ping sensation in any one of my fingers and seconds later it will fill up with blood and look bruised.  I had it once so severely that I went to the emergency room where they gave me meds to open my arteries.  My index finger was so swollen that if I waited a day or two longer it would have gone gangreen.  I've been to vascular surgeons, cardiologists. hand surgeons and regular md's and no one can help me.  This just happened again to my thumb after 10 years and my cardiologist prescribed high blood pressure meds...and I DON'T have high blood pressure, I've been running for 25 years!  If anyone has a diagnosis please share...I know your frustration.

[atascadero]

I came to this site via a search on spontaneous bursting of a blood vessel in fingers.  This happened to me a few days ago while on vacation.  I didn't injure it or hit it, but suddenly felt my pinkie finger swelling and going numb.  It swelled so tight I thought it was going to burst.  It was twice as fat as my other pinkie.  I used ice, pressure, elevation.  My whole finger turned purple.  It is now 4 days since it happened and it is back to normal size but still discolored and tender.  Since I work in medical, I will ask about it.  Per web search, suspect conditions are high blood pressure and liver dysfunction... as far as I know, neither of these are the case. I am 60 and take no meds.

[atascadero]

I asked the Dr at work about the burst blood vessel in my finger.  Turns out, it was caused by 2 factors:  1) I had been taking 2 days of aspirin/acetophenamin for headache AND 2) I had traveled to a location with a higher elevation than home by 4,100 ft.  Both of these can cause a spontaneous bleed of small capillaries in extremities.

[Ptty_mc]

A dear friend of mine has this issue also, but she is in constant pain, she can feel the pain go down her arm and then her hand swells and a vessel pops and bruises instantly. She's been to every Dr. there is and no one has an answer.

If anyone ever does get and actual diagnoses please share.

(She doesn't take asprin or deals with elevation issues)

[Terrie2008]

Hi all

This is an intresting one.

Some years ago I was cleaning when all of a sudden I got a pain in my finger it was like a wasp sting when I looked I could see the blue vein which was going very dark and the pain was terrible after a little while it setted down.
Later the same day it happened again and the pain was worse I cold see the vein looking as if it was ready to pop so Of I popped to the hospital several doctors had a look and could not make it out great then they called for another doctor and she said oh its the vein that has popped I get that all the time dont know why it happens, and sent me home. THANKS.

It happened on and off over long periods of time between each one.I have not had it for about 5years anyway it has just happened again I picked up the mop done two stokes across the floor and the pain in my thumb there it was the dark blue vein and the thumb swelled up and has now gone all red.

[Terrie2008]

I have looked and looked on google and I can not find any answers.

Im with son03 on this he one what is it has any one got the answer.

[Linndy]

hi i have been getting these burst blood vessels in my fingers for a couple of years now, usually on my right hand...i can tell when its going to happen because its starts to throb and gets itchy then can be painful when it actually bursts, but just recently the passed few months ive been getting them in my arms and especially my right leg, they have been very painful in my legs,

dunno should i consult ma doc????

[The_Beckie]

I get those too. I had one burst yesterday, very painful. I've had them the past few years but I do have high blood pressure which is controlled by medicine. I've always assumed it's harmless or genetics?

[falloola]

I get the same thing. I have had it for months on and of. I have a lump constanly in the crease of my finger. If I go climbing or carry shopping bags its really painful. So I try to be careful not to put pressure on it to stop the "pop" which is even more excrutiating. Hope someone out there can help.    

[hosky]

I also have the same thing.  Had it for a few years and went to my doctor who did blood tests and found I had under active thyroid.  But I still get the painful bruises in the palm side of my fingers now and again.  No one seems to know why. I recently had this happen to two fingers on the same hand in  the same day.

[kak58]

I have had this problem all my life, but not all the time....sometimes I don't notice them too much because the pain goes away within hours.  Recently though, I had one break in my palm under the thumb joint and it turned to a bruise.  I work in a nursing home and most of the nurses there have never heard of it.  I don't take any meds and have low blood pressure.  I do crochet though....????
I always thought it happened to everyone.

[jsomersa]

I am having this problem also. I have migrain headachs a it seems to go along with them. also when I have taken asprin for a few days. The pharmisist said it was nothing when I showed her. I broke 3 while I was there picking up my Rx. I have swithched to Motren

[abouttime2008]

I've had this on and off for almost 10 years.  Google it once in a while as No One - in medical profession -takes me seriously.  There is nothing in particular at all that instigates it.  I'm in general Good health.  This must be a Symptom of some venous problem.  Let's team up and all write to a reputable medical research hospital.

[seniorpetunia]

I have had small capillaries burst in my fingers for years. I get a pinch like a bee sting, then it swells and turns blue and hurts. Saw a really smart doctor about this. She said is is just something that happens occasionally and is not serious. I am healthy and just underwent $60,000. worth of testing and I have nothing wrong.

[Hagem]

I get them too, and have done for years. Sometimes from a small trauma, mostly not. I am 50+ healthy and fit and not on medications that would affect bleeding. I notice they happen more around my period and in hot weather. My brother gets them too. Seems to be a minor vascular fault, amplified by age. Not a sign of anything worth worrying about.

[ARB77]

I am 32 years old and also get these in my right hand. they just started this year and concerned me quite a bit but everyone keeps saying you must have hit it on something. Obviously I would notice that....lol Glad to know it is of no concern and I'm not alone. My family has horrible cardiovascular history starting in their early 40's and I was really starting to freak out.

[suzQ610]

This has been happening to me for years.It will happen for no apparent reason. The first time it occurred I put ice on it and it got much worse. I ended up in the hospital. There was never any diagnosis so I've learned to live with the occasional problem. However, soaking the finger in hot water helps ease the pain.

[lilylate]

I have just had my first experience of this and was tying my shoe lace and had a pain   like a bee sting I put my hand in cold water to relieve it as had a lot of pain and could not  bend my finger.Later on my hand got so cold and my finger went dead had to warm it up with a heat pad.After this it went very hot and was painful so i took two ibroprofen and went to bed planning on visiting the doctor,  The next day the swelling had gone down but I had what looked like severe bruising which was almost the entire finger and had spread to my first knuckle.I did'nt  visit the Dr and looked this up on google.It has been so interting to find comments from so many other people but frustrating when there does not seem to be a proper answer.I have recently been taking a low dose of aspirin in preparation for a long flight ??

[Sissy03]

I am so relieved I found this. WebMD had no information on this. I was playing on the Wii yesterday and out of no where I felt my finger tingle like it was swelling a few minutes later it was turning blue. I have been freaking out since then looking all over the internet. I thought I was havng a reaction to some new medicine I am taking but I went to their site and it is not listed as a side effect or reason to call Dr. Then my husband said maybe I popped a blood vessel. My hands are very cold for hours in the morning then by about 2pm they are fine. My finger looked horrible and has been sensitive. But it is actually looking alot better now at the end of day 2. I am so glad this happens to others too!!

[jazziedog]

I am so relieved that I am not alone with the problem of popped blood vessels. I had one pop in my right index finger on Monday it felt like a bee sting, I have had others in my left hand over a number of years. My doctor said " nothing to worry about" but you do wonder whats happening.It's interesting to read that a number of people had been taking asprin. I had been taking pain killers for over a week so maybe this could be one cause, also I had just had a extremly hot flush and I thought that maybe my bloodpressure may have been up at that time. Who knows it seems such a mystery.
Bernadette

[ElectraComplex]

Spider angiomas are common w hep c and cirrhosis. But its more a symptom rather than whats going on. It sounds like the weakening of the vascular system that occurs with hep c.It's also why I stopped taking planes places.

You may try boosting your vitamin k intake by eating more spinach broccoli ectra.

I also have good blood pressure yet still have this problem myself some days and it HURTS like a mofo when it happens with me think wasp or bee sting.

Compression of the area at the first sign of trouble and icing helps as with any other bruising problem.

Asprin and tylenol are a good idea to avoid with liver problems.Same with ibuprophen and bleeding problems/gastric problems bad idea if you have varices!. You might inquire about drugs like tramadol that act via a different mechanism.

Try wiki if you start out with hep and work your way down the chain there is a ton of helpful information.

[ElectraComplex]

As for the doctors yup theres a million and one things that can cause a burst vessel.
It is exasperating s all get out and alarming. I got the same run around but I have a slightly different perspective after spending six months as an intern MT.

My first liver doc told me the more I knew the better off I'd be so I spend a lot of time doing independent research trying to figure these things out.

Also weakening of the veins and capillaries in the extremities is pretty common with aging regardless of health.So for those of you that are older. Yup for you it may just be a part of the aging process.Never hurts to stick your hand in the docs face and go oi!

For me avoiding planes and eating better seems to have worked mostly. :)

[clbalb]

I have had these happen to me for years... I can't explain them but man do they hurt!  Got one today in the knuckle area in my palm.  Bright blue bruise.... very weird the only thing I can think is my blood vessels seem really close to my skin.  And I hit them just right...

[4boysclub]

I'm so relieved that there are a lot of people with this problem. I thought there was something bizarre wrong with me. I'm 45 and have had spells of this going on for about 10 years. In both hands, usually the palm-side of the fingers, but occasionally in the palm. I know when it's going to happen - can feel pressure, then it pops and you see blood under the skin and then it itches like crazy. Sometimes it's a hard blue marble under the skin. I have 3 that are permanently there (two in the same finger). It's almost never caused by anything - just happens. Occasionally it's when I grip something.

[4boysclub]

I forgot to say that I also have low blood pressure, and low iron. And - Does anyone know if any medical people ever reply to this stuff or is it just a bunch of us sharing our experiences and the blind leading the blind?

[OliI0305]

I'm amazed so many people have experienced the same thing. Mine happened out of no where as well but it hasn't gone away and it's been over a week. I'm going to go to the doctor and I'll post what he says. My case was also preceeded by light headedness.

[randiane7652]

Chalk up another person who is having this more frequently. 48 yr female...healthy. Just so frustrating that there is little to no info out there on this! I had one pop in the palm of my left hand 4 days ago, and now beneath the knuckle of index finger on the left hand.No reason, no trauma.... Recently, due to changes in the weather, I have been taking more Tylenol than usual for sinus pressure. HMMMMM keep the suggestions coming!

[Mia2467]

by:  Marann 2467  March 16, 2009    Wow I can't believe how many people have the same thing that I have.  It happens sometimes from trauma, but sometimes just happens.  Feels like a bee sting and itchy, then gets swollen, then red and purple.  After several days gets back to normal.  I am 62 years old and have no medical problems and no high blood pressure.  Mine usually happens on the right hand. Keep the suggestions coming.  I think vessels get weak with age, and sometimes just pop.  Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

[anonymo123]

Caffeine is the culprit for me, I never drink coffee, and I had an espresso recently. Apparently it narrows the blood vessels temporarily.

[Marge274]

This has got to be due to a vitamin C with Bioflavinoids deficiency!  Aspirin depletes vitamin C and so does stress and many other things.  You need a good multi vitamin and mineral  plus at least 1000 mg. vitamin C plus bioflavinoids.  The Bioflavinoids help keep the veins and arteries strong.

[barniemaby]

Wow, to reiterate, I am so glad this happens to others as well. I am a 39 year old Mom of 2 toddlers and just had this happen for the first time yesterday and did nothing out of the ordinary to have this happen. I live in a temperate Zone and its a cold spring this year. I felt a bee sting on my left index finger when I grabbed the handle of the stroller and thought "this is weird" there are no bees this time of year ? I have experienced very similar symptoms as everyone else. I will say, I too had taken Tylenol the day before as I had a Migraine from change in weather (we get a very wide range of temps this time of year - March) and it went from plus 15 to minus 8 in a day. I have low blood pressure and have had problems with cold extremeties, border line underactive Thyroid (they won't give me meds yet..), and was diagnosed with something called Reynaud's. I do believe this to be related after hearing all the people's posts. I am going to the doc next week and if he tells me more, I will post it.

[Jules1310]

Hi All!  I have been getting burst blood vessels in my fingers (and even occasionally in my feet) for no apparent reason for many years. I am 41.  It happens with very light to no exertion, and it stings then turns purple. It happened again to me this morning, and it's very disconcerting. I have also had problems in the past with excessive bleeding after surgery (2 occasions), and gums that bleed during a normal dental cleaning. I have researched this extensively, and the only thing I can find is that it may be Von Willebrand's disease. It's a common blood disorder that causes easy bruising (fragile capillaries) due to a defect in the platelets. (platelet count is normal, but clotting ability is not). I am going to ask my Dr to test me for it. Have any of you experienced blood loss episodes, including nosebleeds, heavy periods, excessive bleeding after surgery or anemia? I am very curious. Also, I was just diagosed with a Vitamin D deficiency that I have yet to be treated for (going this week).  I'd be interested in your feedback.

[Jules1310]

By the way - Von Willebrand's is known to be mainly a genetic disorder. If you have relatives with similar symptoms, they may want to get tested too.

[Kleep]

I've had this occurrence in my fingers for a few years now.  I'm 40, a very healthy vegetarian, have low blood pressure, and was tested with a good vitamin D level (on an unrelated check up).  I would love to know if this should be of concern.  I'll post if I get any helpful feedback from my doc.

[vgc565]

I suffer from the same condition.  First time it happened, I thought I had received a spider bite.  I went to the doctor, my finger was swollen, blue and painful.  The doctor said it happens with age as the vessels begin to thin.  
I have searched this condition, and it may not apply to anyone here by try looking up Raynaud's Phenomenon.  The condition somewhat describes me and some of you.  It is causes by certain medications, arthritis and usually brought on by cold or stress.

[lmacg]

I have had this problem for a long time. I am an RN in the ICU. I happened to have one of my worst breaks today when doing nothing at all but mild work. For one thing, I can assure everyone that this is not a liver disorder like hep C. Hep C and liver problems, severe, cause clotting disorders. You have to be pretty sick for that to happen. Also, with Von Willenbrands, you would bleed SEVERELY when you have your menses. There are clotting disorders that can be checked with blood tests ordered by your doctor. I look at the broken blood vessels as a pain in the butt, or should I say, hand. I do a lot of physical work with my hands and also row crew and run. My B/p runs low and my HR is low. I think the vessels just might get a small laceration from work and then break when pressure increases from being in a dependent position. Not to worry.

[senseilynn]

Thank you SO much all of you who took the time to answer.  I have had this 'popping' issue in my hands for several years.  I am a 50 yr old, very healthy 103 lb female.  I have low BP, tend toward anemia, have heavy periods and Reynaud's.  I also have a Yorkshire Terrier, but that doesn't matter.  It's wonderful to now that I'm not harboring some dangerous illness.  Thank you, thank you.

[SunshineSet]

I get these on my hands, fingers, and shins. It is like something blocks the blood vessel, and it swells and looks blue. The pinching feeling ranges from very annoying to truly painful. Then, I rub, or put ice, or shake my hand (nothing seems to matter) and either the block clears, or the vessel bursts.

I am 45 years old, and this has been happening for at least 20 years. It even happened once when I was in the doctor's office. He watched it swell, turn blue, burst, leave the requisite bruise. Then he looked at me and shrugged, and said he hadn't the slightest idea what it is.

Seems to me, if I could have this problem for 20+ years, that is probably the definition of annoying, but not dangerous. When reading through all the comments here, the only thing I notice, is that all the symptoms any of us has put down that might be related, shows no consistency with everyone else on this thread.

I am thinking of sending a link to this thread to a vein specialist. But I doubt anything will come from it...I mean, it seems to be not dangerous at all, so why should the doctors care? The only thing that I'd like to see, is a standard NAME of this syndrome, so that others like us could find out that it is common and benign.

How about "Benign surface blood vessel aneurysms"? or "Benign extremities blood vessel pops"? Or maybe someone could find this listed in some journal some time back, and name it after the doctor who first wrote about it.

Anyone else want to offer a name?

[SunshineSet]

One thought...I do have a connective tissue problem, and am very tall and kind of lanky. Anybody else on this thread have loose connective tissues, or have the tall, long-arm, long-fingers body type?

[gomi]

I also have this problem.  I'm 46, female, BMI 21, vegan, regular exerciser.  All around healthy.  Except my hands!  I get the burst blood vessels and, when it's cold (I live in Alaska, so that's like, all the time!) they go completely white in the fingertips of the ring and middle finger.  Does everyone here with the "bursting" problem also have Raynaud's symptoms (situational white, waxy fingertips)?

[mamawof3]

I am 55, healthy and have this same problem.  I'm left handed, so most of my vessells seem to burst in my left hand.  I also have them bursted in my toes.  I have tiny red spots on my body.  I wonder if they are related to this problem?

I do have psorisas on my elbow and knees (joints).  I've wondered if there is any relation to this since the vessells always burst in the joints of my fingers and toes.  I've asked my doctor, with no answers.

Im gald I found this site.

[surefaith]

Wow so glad to know I'm not alone with this. My left index finger, just out of no where, started stinging and swelling. It really hurt. It turned blue and looked like it had rubber bands around my finger it was so swollen. That was three days ago. It looks better but is still reddish blue and sore. It also is cold at the tip of my finger.I'm fifty seven year old female and I do take an asprin ( when I can remember ) but I don't really think that's a factor in anything. I'm hoping this is just an aging thing and nothing serious.

[cjadorne]

This is NOT normal and there should be some doctor/nutritionist out there who knows something!  I remember reading something about a link to a vitamin deficiency, but haven't found the forum again.  If I do, I'll come back with a possible answer.  This happens to me in cycles - often for a while and then not again for months.

Carol

[nurseybrown]

Hi everyone, thanks for takeing the time to right all your comments on your experiences of burst blood vessels. Its just a releif to know im not on my own. Today i have experienced my second burst blood vessell on my index finger on my right hand palm side- and i agree its not a very nice feeling and the bruise looks awful, I was at work at the time and it just happened out of the blue. I feel better after reading all the postings regarding this subject. I am on no medication 44 yrs old and do not suffer from high blood pressure. My only ailment i do suffer from is anxiety. Which bursting blood vessells dont help !!

[Kat1963]

I am a 45 year old female. I've been living with this blood vessel popping in my hands for decades. I also get nose bleeds that can last for hours and wounds can take upwards of 2 weeks or longer to heal properly (pour wound healing). Although I am a hemophilia carrier, and was negative for Von Wildebrands, I take 4000 mg/day of Vit D, and 2000 mg of Vit C, the research that I have done indicates that its a thyroid issue. After reading all the posts, the vast majority of them also scream underactive and non treated hypothyroidism and we're all women. Go figure - we're women and we're not being treated for a legitimate health condition. My main concern is if the blood vessels pop in my hands with this kind of ease, can this also happen in the brain or other organs where this wouldn't be just a pain in the hand? I think we need to demand somehow that the medical establishment starts treating our hypothyroidism with some respect.

[Lindy74]

Like all of you, I have this condition, too.  For probably 10+ years.  It comes on for no apparent reason.  I am a very healthy and active 60-year-old woman (feel like 40).  I am thin and athletic, take vitamins daily (a good multivitamin with minerals, Super B, Vit C w/rosehips, 1200 mg of calcium + D.  I'm also on thyroid medicine (Levoxyl, .075)  for hypothyroidism and my TSH is in range and I'm feeling great.  I exercise:  power walking, push ups, yoga stretches, an occasional run.  Also, like some others here, I have Raynaud's syndrome (genetic:  mother and brother).

Yesterday while I was doing nothing strenuous, I felt the familiar tingle, then itching in my right middle finger, then it started to swell and by the end of the day it was like a purple sausage.  Hard to bend my finger.  Looks pretty hideous right now.  Have spoken to doctors over the years, and even showed a cardiologist a photograph of my hand in full bloom and all he did was shrug his shoulders and said he had no clue.  All of them just say "weak blood vessels in the fingers and hand".  Apparently there are so many veins and blood vessels in the fingers, and as we age they become more prone to injury.  I've stopped worrying about it, but it is very annoying and painful.

I do however feel better that I'm not alone, and agree that we should get the doctors to pay attention to us!!

[Jubo169]

I am a healthy female, age 38 with low BP and this blood vessel popping in the finger thing happened for the first time yesterday. I noticed the weather had been really hot and I had also been carrying a heavy watering can with that hand and had also been taking Ibuprofen for a few days for a skin infection on my foot.
I thought perhaps it was the Ibuprofen that caused it? Anyway I'm still alive, so hey ho.

[ali_ing]

I'm so relieved to find out I'm not the only one who has experienced this!  Mine happened a week ago just after I had taken my daughter swimming.  I was really hot at the time and had been on a long journey earlier in the day, so maybe that's what triggered it?  My doctor said she had never seen anything like it before, but suggested a popped vein.  When I woke up this morning my finger looked normal, but after a while it started to look bruised again, also my knuckle is still quite tender when it gets knocked.  Hoping it clears itself up soon.

[SunshineSet]

I've had this blood vessel popping thing for at least 15 years, and I'm only 45. I've even had the entire even happen while I was seeing my doctor for something else, and he saw the vein do the swelling thing, and then the popping thing, and then the bruising thing.

He had no idea what it was.

And while some of you think heat or something else "causes" this, it is my experience that this can happen at almost any time. As far as I know, I've never had it happen in my sleep.

Besides my hands, I sometimes get them in my shins.

[djj55]

I have had this happen in my fingers for years, but in the past few months I have had vessels pop on my leg (side of calf just below knee) and on the inside of my right wrist.  This one was prettly painful and I kept pressure on it until the burning subsided.  Has anyone else had this happen in these areas?

[Ev397]

I've had same problems in my fingers with pain whilst sometimes just sitting on sofa. Over past few weeks I've has 4 and today a major one in my hand (palm) went with lots of pain and major swelling. I was so shocked I came onto the net.
I feel reassured though that this is nothing to worry about. I'm 42 exceptionally fit, low blood pressure - been weight training today and spin class so maybe the weight training weakened a blood vessel when I was holding weights

[SunshineSet]

Yah, had them in these areas. Nothing in particular seems to bring these things on, nothing I can think of keeps them away. Sometimes I'll get a few in a week, sometimes go months without any.

[foggydoggy]

I've had this problem sporadically going on about 10 yrs always in the fingers.Two and half weeks ago I had an acupuncture session and about 1 1/2 days later I noticed a large bruise 1 x 2 inches in size on upper left chest about two inches below the collarbone. I blamed it on the acupuncture even though any bruising with acupuncture is usually immediate. This bruise still hasn't totally faded. Yesterday I felt that familiar pop in my right ring finger and sure enough a vessel popped. Finger swelled instantly to the point it was numb, painful,unbendable and luckily I was home to ice it. This morning the finger is bruised from tip to second knuckle and would have been much worse if not for the ice.Reading the above posts I notice people have been getting this in other parts of body so with the advent of this big one on my upper chest I am now concerned about having a bleed in a vital organ,( ie brain = catastophic results) I'm in my early 50's, rarely take pain relievers, and my only meds are Prevacid and Flovent, along with supplements, physically fit from lots of cardio and weightlifting, low BP and pulse. Unless it happens more frequently I am going to assume this is one of the beneign quirks of the human body.

[SunshineSet]

Yah, I've sometimes worried about the vital organs thing, but it's been decades already, and it is always on the external parts of my extremities. So unless my brain counts as an extremity (and I don't count it that way...the scalp, maybe, but not the brain) I figure it is just one of those anomalies.

I've known people who have lived very long lives, and people who's lives have been cut tragically short. Ain't no rhyme nor reason to it. We go when it is our turn. So, I'll ice my bruises when needed, and keep truckin'.

[DeesMom555]

I'm glad I found this forum.  I had this happen to me yesterday, in my left index finger.   I'm 58, I get migraines, and I have high blood pressure, although it's controlled with medication.  I recently hurt my right shoulder, and I've been taking aspirin, so I'm assuming that's probably the culprit.  The migraine medication (a "triptan" drug) also affects blood vessels, so that may also be a factor.  
I sympathize with those of you who have had this happen frequently!  It's also reassuring that it doesn't seem to be serious.

[grandmalexi]

I have the blood vessel popping problem as well. Tend to HB and migraines. Reading the posts here tells me that it has nothing to do with that. After observing it for years I have come to the conclusion that it is a weakness or loss of elasticity of the vascular walls. On one occasion I asked Dr. DeAdamo (Eat right for your blood type) and was told to take bioflavonoids for it. I am beginning to take the supplement now, since the vessel popping has become too annoying to ignore.

[SunshineSet]

Oh, please do post if you find this supplement helpful. :)

And yes, I have neither HB nor migraines. Never have.

[bling54]

My blood pressure tends to be slightly low, i'm 54 and have hypothyroidism.  Like most of you i've been searching for answers and no one seems to really know what causes this.  Mine aren't painful so i'm not sure if mine is a different problem.  It must be capillary fragility, but what is causing it.  I don't believe things happen for no reason.  When i cut myself i bleed and clot normally. I take natural thyroid med so don't take any drugs.
I just look down and there is another one, and they look like a blood blister, purple patch that seems to be mainly on the knuckles at the moment.  I've also been getting flushing, which i think could be the start of Rosecea. I'm post menopausal and already had the hot flushes. This comes and goes, sometime i don't get the hand thing for months then i do for months, and i find it worrying.  I've been told vit C and vit K, which i've started taking.  Capillaries seem noticiable on my upper chest too.
I had an eyetest recently and they take a photo of back of eye, and she said the capillaries there were not leaking and seemed healthy so she assumed that would be the case for rest of body.

I've noticed alot of people have mentioned their BP is low rather than high, umm, could there be a link?

[lynne944]

I'm a healthy 46 year old.  I take no meds.  I have had this problem off and on for several years.  I burst the blood vessel on the palm side of my right index finger today and decided to google it.  hence, I found this site.  My finger will itch before the vessel bursts.  I tend to apply pressure immediately but I don't have any good reason for doing that.  My BP tends to run quite low.

[staylormall]

I too have experienced this spontaneous rupture of blood vessels for 30 years. I'm an active, healthy 57 yr old female. On no medications of any kind. This occurs in both hands;  palms and fingers. During the past two weeks it has occurred 3x. I had one doctor, years ago, who showed some interest. Had clotting time checked, normal.  I too worry that this make eventually occur else where in my circulatory system.

[bellanick]

I am a RN and will ask at work tommorrow.  I just let the dog out and sat down after when I felt an incredible pop in my finger at the knuckle and felt pain as I watched it turn blue and swell.  I've never had this happen before and am a 34 yr old female with no medical history.  I'm thin and can feel my pulse at my abdomen and carotid arteries.  I've wondered about my risk of aneurysms in the future.  I've noticed orthostatic hypotension especially when I'm working out or am on a long bike ride or run.  I'll share any answer I get.

[lmls]

I have had the same thing happen for several years.  My mom, my, husband and a male friend also gets them.  I am mildly hypothyroid and I too have low BP and low platelet.  My endocrinologist suggested I see a hematologist just to rule out thrombocytopenia.  I met with the hematologist and in less that 5 minutes he determined that I had psychogenic purpura.  I looked it up when I arrived home and I was shocked at the description.  It basically is a psychiatric condition or conversion disorder mostly caused by the abuse of the person as child and extreme stress. It likened it to a stigmata response (or just another hysterical female). So be careful what irresponsible medical doctors you run into while looking for an answer.  Obviously if they don't know they will come up with whatever obscure condition they can think of.

[peety78]

Hi I have sufford with blood vessels popping in my hands on and off for the last 10 years.
I am also a woman - Don't you think it is odd that nearly everyone posting is female?
I bruise really easily all over my body, battle to maintain a healthy weight and have heavy peroids.
The only medical conditions I have are asthma for which i take steroid inhalers.
The last time I had a spate of these happening, I came across an article that suggesting that you should eat citris pith. I tried this for a few months and my symptoms cleared up. I had not had an outbreak for about 2 years until yesterday I had two pop in the space an hour, so I guess I will try the citris pith again - I think this is a source of Bio flavanoids.

[MystifiedLady]

...I just had this happen about 2 hours ago...  I was helping my mother make-up a bed when I noticed a slight sting & itch on my left thumb...  I originally thought it was a bug bite, but then I noticed that under my skin, it was purple-ish/blue-ish like I bruised it...  and when I touched it, it feels like there's a bump there and a little tender...  I didn't do anything weird, hit it or anything -- it just spontaneously happened...

My mother said she's had it happen to her before and said to elevate my hand/arm...that it'll go away...  I did that, iced it and it's still here...

I'm thinking I popped a blood vessel...

For the last 1.5 years, I've had really weird symptoms that come and go.  Went to doctors who ran blood tests and examined me...  Said it was stress, anxiety and depression...

Possibly, but I did more research and wonder all these things (including this incident) could actually be related to perimenopause...and hormone levels fluctuating...  I read a lot of posts on another site and women experience really weird perimenopause symptoms...  (FYI, perimenopause is the period before menopause.  From mayoclinic.com -- "...Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause — anywhere from two to eight years — plus the first year after your final period."  "...When perimenopause starts and how long it lasts varies. You'll probably notice signs of impending menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.")

...just thought I would post this because someone mentioned that everyone posting here is female...and just wondered if it could be related to perimenopause...

[nickythebean]

I have had this issue for years now, and I was also diagnosed with a mild form of Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD) when I was a child.  I have been wondering if there is a connection, and I am going to make an appointment to see a hematologist.  I too am worried about a general weakening of the venous walls, especially if it may cause an aneurism in the brain.  I also have BP that tends to be on the low side.  I will report back if I have any significant findings from the hematologist.  I hope we all get an answer to this issue.

[Kirty]

I'm in nursing school - it happens to me. Low B/P, active, healthy, thin - no meds except vits. I'm going to research on our library research site to see if any research has been done. I think the idea of LOTS OF COFFEE??? might be one. Do all of you drink two+ lattes a day?

[turtlebot26]

I am a 28 yr female and recently been having some issues.  Of which include bursting vessels in wrists, hands, arms, elbow joint. etc.  I have pain then I instantly get the reddish bruise (which fades in days). I also get deeper pains but never see a bruise to accompany it.  I also have petachie on my arms, legs, & upper chest. I have lost over 30 lbs without changing anything in my diet over the last 5 months. I am now eating high fat to keep from losing more. I get dizzy several times a day. I get bad fatigue & irritability. I have also had several lipomas pop up out of nowhere near my joints shoulder, knee, neck clavicle area, & hips.  I was having pains in my liver area and night sweats but they seem to have faded. (none in 2 weeks)  I have seen 2 different doctors and they have no idea. I have had blood tests, ct scans etc. & nothing. except a shoulder MRI revealed I have a labral seperation, buford complex abnormality, & tore 3 other tendons.  I had no known injury to this shoulder.  Other than the recent issues I was in good health exept for some infertility issues. (No Meds).  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I don't know what to do at this point. I need help.

[P_Smitty]

I'm glad I have found this community. This happened to me this morning.  I have NEVER felt the pain I did.  Right hand, base of the index finger in my palm.  I could see the vein and thought it was about to explode.  I was getting ready for work and putting lotion on my arms.  I'm 45 and I shared this with my mom who's 79.  She stated she has also experienced this for over 20 years.  Her's is at the base of her right thumb leading into her wrist.  She felt it was a combination of stress, hormones and overworked hands.  I can't WAIT to hear what someone finds out.  It's nice to know that I'm not alone!

[clkonder]

This just happened to me today for 1st time, and I'm glad to find this site.  Bottom of middle finger.  All of a sudden, could see blue blood, then swelling throughout entire finger.  Felt like it was going to burst, then it lessened.  Thought it was happening to another finger (didn't though) so called doctor.  Nurse indicated she gets them all the time, nothing to worry about, don't know what causes.  My husband said he's also been getting them since he was a teenager, said it felt like a bee-sting, right?  I said no, mine just hurt a bunch.  Now it is not swollen at all, just reddish-bluish.  I guess okay, nurse said not to worry or come in unless I get like two or three a week.  I'm 39, mother of two toddlers, low blood pressure, a little overweight but in good general health.  I did just start drinking more coffee though (two-three cups/day), but, I have been drinking tea for quite some time.

[Bonniebijou]

Hugs to all that have been going through the same thing I have! We all know how scared we feel when a vein pops.  I have just had my 3rd pop in 3 years.  

The first was the beesting feeling in my wrist below my right thumb. Ballooned out with burning and then bruising on a big vein there.  I had been lifting heavy boxes at work when it happened.

The second was also at work.  Same beesting feeling and then I saw my ring finger suddenly go purple and feel like it was going to explode..I was doing nothing strenuous at the time.

This last one, I was also at work, just finished doing repetitive hand work for about 45 min...felt the same beesting on my left wrist.  This one was the worst.  A silver dollar size bruise, angry red and swollen twice as big as my other wrist happened. Very painful and immediately iced it. Kept it iced for about 12 hrs and the next morning, the swelling was down a lot.  Now the spot looks about twice as big but the angry red/purple bruising has changed to a light burgandy and a lighter area in the middle.  It looks like a burn or blister now, as the skin texture looks different from the skin around it.

Another weird thing is at my inner elbow area.  Whatever caused this at my wrist also caused symetrical dots of bruising to occur at my inner elbow.  :  :The second set of them a bit farther apart than the first ones and deeper bruising.

I'm post menopausal, 55 heathy, high blood pressure, on Crestor, Altace HTC, Bisoprolol Fumarate, and low dose aspirin...Caltrate plus  can't think of anything else I take, except for drinking a few glasses of homemade red wine and a bottle of Fuze daily.

I hope that with all our input we can all help to put a name to our problem.

[scooby2510]

Feel better knowing I'm definately not alone. This has started happenign to me recently - I'm 38, slim and healthy. My right index finger, palm side has 'popped' ''blown'' about three times now and can happen from picking up a bag or nothing much. Again you see the bleeding and swelling, followed by the bruising and pain. I then cannot bend my finger for a few days. I seem to experience slight pins and needles up my arm to.
I suffer terribly from cold hands and feet and a slight drop in temperature makes my hands seize up and hurt (Raynauds sydrome I believe). I do suffer from very heavy periods, I am vegetarian so may sometimes have low iron although I eat a healthy diet. I do bruise very easily to.
Maybe this is just old age setting but a few people have mentioned Raynauds now to.

[snugles]

Add yet another one to the list of this happening on a semi-regular basis.  And yes, it is wonderful to know I am not alone with this situation.  

[calibama]

Incredible that this chain has been going on for 3 years!  

I too have the bursting blood vessels in my hands - mostly my fingers, but has happened in the palm of my hand as well.  

Many folks who are posting are thin & athletic... I used to be athletic, but never really "thin" more the muscular type.  Not really athletic anymore as I just don't have the time to work out - wish I did.

Latest burst was last night.  Unscrewing the cap from a bottle of juice & "pop"... index & middle finger "blew" at the first joint from the tip. (Odd to me that they would go at the same time.)  

Immediate swelling & sharp pain (always hurts like a bugger!) for about 5-10 minutes.  Still swollen today and tender... I always find that light "usage" of the finger helps work the tenderness out.

Anyway, ice for the finger(s) & wine for the constitution seems to help me when this happens.  At least that's what I used last night!

I also hope I won't burst one in a vital organ as has been mentioned in a few posts - try to put that thought out of my head.

[Skigirl1]

I cannot say in words how relieved I was to find this forum.  I am 37 years old and in the past week have experienced two bursting events.  After the first, which was in my foot right behind the toe line (anyone else get one in the foot?), I convinced myself it was a bug bite or a hard hit, although I couldn't recall either occuring.  The second happened yesterday on the back of my right hand at the base of the 3rd finger.  The swelling across the 3 center knuckles was so large I thought it would pop right there!  All other symptoms are consistent (felt like a bee sting, itchy pain for a few minutes, bluish color of swelling, leaves a large dark bruise after swelling desists, etc).  I was squeezing a hose nozzle when the 'pop' occurred.

I began to think 'what if this happens in my brain?!?'

I generally have low BP (90/50).  I was diagnosed with Raynaud's as a teenager, but haven't had an episode in years.  I thought this new popping thing might be related, but I couldn't find anything to support the theory.

I do consume a ridiculous amount of caffeine daily (coffee, iced tea, cola) and generally consume an alcoholic beverage at night during the work week.  On weekends/holidays, I might indulge in 2-3 cocktails in the same day.  I also recently began taking a low dose of aspirin at night.

Keep the posts coming!  Eventually we'll isolate a cause/effect relationship.  

[suz9]

Hi,
well, I had one last night and it was so bad I paged my Doc.  He knows I have this condition and that it happens on a regular basis... few time a months for over 30 years.  I am a healthy female in good shape, not over weight, low blood pressure etc.  My doc just tells me to pack the finger or thumb with ice and elevate.  Last night he said if the pain and swelling continued that I should go to ER and have them ***** my finger to remove the pressure. It felt as if an air pump was attached to my thumb. It seemed to get better has the hours moved on last night, but my thumb is very swollen and B&B from this blood vessel burst.  I found this posting and thought I should
share.  Guess there are a lot of us with this crazy unsolved problem.

[michigan_mommy]

I'm a 35 year old female. I've been getting these for about 10 years. I've had more than I could count. They come and go, seems to be no rhyme or reason. Sometimes they just appear, sometimes it's while I'm doing something simple, like picking up my purse. I've had three in the last couple of weeks. One was at the base of my thumb and it hurt like HADES!

I don't have high (or low)  BP, I don't take any meds, rarely even take a tylenol. I do not consume caffeine. I am overweight and get little to no exercise on a regular basis (SAHM with five kids).

The one time I brought it up to a doctor, he told me I got them because I am a redhead.  My husband and sister have also had them but very, very rarely.

They are probably nothing to worry about but it would be nice to know EXACTLY what causes them.

[Emily4070]

I am a 52 year old female and i have been getting these broken blood vessels on and off for years.  I get them on my fingers and toes.  Tonight it was on my toe.  My daughter who is a RN had no idea why this would happen.  My father who is 83 gets this too and so does my sister in law.  I am so glad to hear that others get it too.  I am thin, athletic with low blood pressure.  I do have low platelets and have a border line low thyroid problem.  Other wise I am in good health.

[Aiven09]

I am 54 years old, female, have regular below normal blood pressure and have also had this for at least 10 years.   Normally on my fingers but I did have an episode while wearing boots on a rocky surface had a vessel leak on the ball of my foot.   That was the worst - I felt Iike I was walking on a golf ball.   My family doctor at the time said to stay off my foot and elevate it.  I do take aspirin-containing arthritis meds (Mobic) on a daily basis and was told to avoid  taking additional aspirin  products because of blood thinning properties and to eat foods containing vitamin K (spinach is great and fortunately I like it).  

My current family doctor hasn't given me any other clues why this happens or if it is anything to be concerned about.   Still, it is scary and painful when it occurs.

[CVbunnylady]

I am a 52 yr. old postmenopausal, unathletic, stressed-out female who has just had her first experience with a popped vein on the right index finger under the knuckle. It happened about a week ago and left a painful, purple bump. I agree that a contributing factor may be caffeine as I had just started drinking two large cups per day. Also, I have been under an unusual amount of stress lately due to divorcing. I do not (yet) take a multivitamin but will now start, especially Vit. C with bioflavinoids as I am sure my C is depleted. I do have frequent nosebleeds. Has anyone ever had one of the lumps go away (palm-side, behind the knuckle on index finger). I hope so because I still cannot bend my finger normally. My doctor said that it is nothing and I should elevate the hand and take ibuprofen.
      

[whitefinger]

This has happened to me 3 times in the past week - all on the same finger - so I thought I'd look on the internet.  I don't know whether to be pleased at such a big support community or frustrated that there don't seem to be any solutions for what looks to be a recurring condition.

To add my data to the list: I am a 45 year old female with asthma.  I have low (normal low, not too low) blood pressure and healthy body weight.  I drink 2 strong cups of coffee a day. After looking it up, I'm pretty sure I have Raynaud's.  Same as the rest of you I wasn't doing anything especially strenuous when it happened.

I'm going to try the bioflavinoids  Does anyone have a recommended dosage?  This is great that we all have this thread to compare notes on our weird fingers and help each other with methods to deal with them.

[leggert]

I am so glad I found this forum. I just spent the afternoon in the ER and freaked out. I was afraid there is something seriously wrong with me. Can you loose circulation in the finger from this? It is on my right index finger on the palm side. The numb feeling yet pain is very weird. It is quite swollen and purple.
I am 47 yrs old. 3 yrs since my last chemo for ovarian cancer, slender, low blood pressure, not much of a caffeine drinker. I take Advil for cronic pain... I need to really go through and read some of these posts better... I was just so relieved to find all of you!

[tamara1234]

Thanks to all of you who have posted.  I, too, have had this mysterious bursting of a blood vessel, once at the base of a finger and yesterday, in the middle of my right palm.  I have been vegetarian for most of my life and have had extremely low ferritin levels.  I also have low blood pressure.  Just about 6 mos. ago, I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease, which is strange since I don't eat much junk/fatty food.  I have recently lost 20 lbs. and work out regularly. I also bruise easily and am currently under the worst stress of my life. I think I will also try bioflavinoids to see if they help.

[jac36]

jings...i was googling *burst blood vessels* and came across this site...sunshine set...your first post could have been written by myself...I too had a vessell burst in the doc's surgery and he was amazed and did diddly squat about it!!!...doh!...anyway...I have had one burst in my eye just two weeks ago and that hasn't happened for 15 years...in my eye...i had one pop in my head and it was the most scary, painful thing ever...a hot water bortle to my head was the only pain relief...i am at the moment, waiting for two Docs in Harley Street, London, working out what it is we all seem to be suffering from...i was told that as long as it just popped in my hand and arms an limbs, then there was nothing to worry about...if any popped in my torso (the heart) or my head again...then I was *mince*...cheers...don't you just love the honesty of the medical profession?????

[ndth]

I bookmarked this site a while ago, and then just now popped one in my finger playing Wii. Like others I have low blood pressure but I do not drink caffeine at all. I fear one of these happening in vital organs, as both of my parents died of strokes. I have a friend who is a vascular specialist and if I get any answers from her I will come back and share it here. Good luck everyone! We need to come together to find an answer!

[jac36]

hi again, i have been given a name for this CONDITION  it is called HYPOKALEMIA.
Google this word and it will explain what we all seem to have, then take it from there.
kindest regards
jac

[Bassmickster]

Not much to add, except I too am 47, has happened sporadically for 20 years, have low bp, drink caffeine and alcohol in moderation. Mine usually occur due to mild trauma to palm side of fingers (I do work with my hands). Doctor said to wear work gloves more often, which seems to help. My ruptures tend to happen when I get careless and do something heavy without gloves on. Took 81mg aspirin for a while, but caused nosebleeds, so had to knock that off; no more nose bleeds. The fact that so many people suffer from this malady tells me that it's just part of the human condition. The equipment ages. btw, i looked at a few potassium deficiency  (hypokalemia) sites and could find nothing that relates to ruptured blood vessels.Not sure where jac36 is coming from. Elevation and ice seems to help with discomfort. Oh, and I'm male.

[search57]

Jac36, Did you google the condition called HYPOKALEMIA? When I did, all the references define it as low Potassium without any references to broken vessels in the hand or anywhere else.

Still searching for answers as I too have been experiencing this a very long time. I thought everyone did.

[Roninanibooboo]

Hello all!  My 2 1/2 year old son broke out with this wierd rash on his hands.  He has small raised bumps just around his pointer and thumb fingers.  His palms are very blotchy, and the blotchyness comes and goes.  His palms will be blotchy, then pale and vice versa.  Also he has purplish streaks between a few of his fingers on both hands. (the same color as if you squashed your finger and you get those purple splotches)  His are more like scratchy looking streaks.  His hands were fine this morning and we left at 15 to one in the afternoon.  When we got to our destination, I started noticing it.  He did not have them when he had his bath in the morning.

I have been reading the posts and his fingers did not swell up or anything, just blotchy with purple splotches between some fingers between some fingers on both hands.  

I am taking him to the dr. tomorrow, but could anyone tell me if they have seen or experienced anything like this? I also did a search on hypokalemia and there were no symptoms of this sort.  I have Hep C, but he was tested and is not infected.  His pediatrician is excellent, I will hope that she will find the answer or try to find the answer for it.  I will post if anything.

OH!  He also keeps rubbing his palms together like they itch, and benadryl did not help any at all.  I wonder if it was that uncomfortable feeling that many people on this thread have mentioned, numbness or some pain.  He has the development of a child under 2 so he does not speak much.   He has been having what I think are headaches for the past 3 weeks.  Comes and lays his head in my lap holding his head with his hands and says owie.  I hope I can find answers.  Its really disheartening to read that just about everyone here as no diagnosis.

Thank you!

Roni

[Cielhxc]

I also have the same experience and had my worse one happen 2 days ago. I have been experiencing this phenomena since I was a teen and I am now 41. I dont think it is anything that is life threatening, or it is peri-menapausal, or Hep C.
I think it is just an anomoly that is happening to a bunch of us. Just glad to be included in a group that is non-classifiable..at least according to Doctors....LOL.

[HeySooz]

Hi - Sounds EXActly the same as me. Pain in my finger, and 10 seconds later, popped blood vessel. Big purple / blue spot that goes away in a day or so. BUT - I also get this on my toes ...

[elliekay]

Hi Folks!

I just had my first experience with this today - glad to find these posts!  When I first started reading I was thinking, "Well, just chalk it up to yet another symptom of the 40's" (I'm 42), but on reading further, that seems not to be the case!

Also, I differ from seemingly all of you, in that I have high blood pressure, don't exercise or eat right, and smoke and drink...

Probably need to work on that...

[Ricky408]

Just wanted to say, I think it is kinda irresponsible for lay persons here to diagnose this condition as Hypokalemia, Raynaud's, Hepititis C, Von Willebrand's, etc.
Freaks people out, y'know?

The kind I get are maybe 1/4 inch, and not painful at all.
I saw my dermatologist yesterday and asked about this.
He said it is a normal function of aging, and no biggie.

I am going to start taking Vit C with bioflavenoids and Vit A.
If anyone else tries Vit. A, be careful not to take mega-doses because the body stores it for a period of time, and you can thus accumulate too much.

[Abycinnie]

Hi All -

Found this site while searching the web for info on this painful condition. It's nice to know there are so many others who have it, too. Nobody I know has ever had it happen to them, so they don't understand. I've had it for about 5 years, and it's usually my thumbs that get sore and bruised, but it happened again today, and this time it was my middle finger - it has a purple bruise the size of a pencil eraser and is very sore to the touch. From past experience, I know it will be sore for a few days and will eventually disappear. Like others, I worry about this happening in my brain - yikes! Hope is stays in my fingertips.

[sgptn]

Same symptoms--the vessels usually burst from exerting slight pressure (like squeezing wire cutters).  The finger instantly becomes engorged like a purple sausage with intense throbbing pain.  I am 48, 5'3", 106 lbs., low blood pressure, active runner.  

I've had Raynaud's about 15 years; as soon as cool weather arrives, the fingers start turning white.  The bursting blood vessels started Summer 2007.  I have to carefully watch about exerting pressure--even the steering wheel has caused bursting.  I have a friend who has Raynaud's but does not have this problem; however, her fingers turn blue and her doctor prescribes Viagra.

[CCC001]

Well, I'm so relieved to find that I'm not going to die from this condition!  Whew.  This has happened a few times over the past year or two and just like most of you, out of the blue with nothing precipitating it.  I am left-handed and it always occurs to one of the first 3 fingers of my left hand.  Odd.  Funny thing is that although I am left-handed, my right hand is the dominant one.  I am 50 yrs old, petite, thin and very healthy.  Am also premenopausal and type for a living.  When this happens to a person, it can be pretty terrifying.  I mean, you are just sitting there and out of the blue, you feel a stinging sensation, followed by swelling of the finger and you think it's going to burst at any moment!  This happened to me while at work yesterday morning and I couldn't even bend my left index finger afterward.  It is still swollen today and the entire finger is dark blue.  I think I could scare a small child with it because it's so freaky looking!

I agree with a lot of the other posters on here - that this must somehow be related to hormone levels because this seems to affect middle-aged women mostly.

Thanks to all who have posted on here.  I am so glad I found this site!!

[Ginso]

Last Thursday morning I got sudden pain and swelling in the underside of my index finger on my right hand. I also had a lot of heat in the finger. The colour changed to dark red, black and blue.It later changed colour un the upper side also. In the afternoon the finger then felt very cold while the remainder of my hand and left had was normal temperature. My GP reffered me to A&E where I was told by the vascular doctor that it was probabbly Blue Finger Syndrome. The doc also told me that it could be caused by extra pressure created by an extra rib (that some people can have) putting pressure on the artery that supplies blood to the hand. I had chest xray to reveal I don't have the extra rib. I had a few blood tests also which showed up nothing negative. I also had ultrasound on both arms and a finger on both hands to check the bloodflow. This test also came back OK. Yesterday a week after the first episode I had another milder episode and I phoned the hospital who saw me again today. I had more blood taken to eliminate other conditions and am due to have a Echocardiogram and ECG in the coming weeks also to eliminate other condtions. The doc is more sure it is Blue Finger Syndrome. It is a condtion that affects mainly women over the age of 35 and usually on the index finger. It can happen several times in the year or maybe never again. I found this article on the following link on the condtion. Doc said they don't know why it happens and it could be a small blood vessel bursting in the finger. There is no test to see if the vessel has burst. As they don't know enough about the condtion there is nothing I can do to prevent it happening. He said it was OK for me to fly. I am a 45 year old female, non smoker, obese female with slightly elevated BP. Doc also said that it dosn't mean that I will have other vascular problems in later life. Like other posts my finger went back to normal colour in 4 days however I had slight discomfort in the underside of my first joint on that index finger. I hope this helps others and you can mention this condtion to your doctors. As I said there is very little known about it and I was also told it was pretty rare. http://www.jbjs.org.uk/cgi/reprint/64-B/4/458.pdf

[runnsteady]

I'm so glad I found this discussion. I have been getting the feeling of a "bee sting" and then the black and blue in my fingers, toes, palms of my hands and soles of my feet for years.  It started happening frequently in the spring. Once per week but then it hasn't happened since July.  
I went to the doctor who sent me to a rheumatologist who didn't know what it was but listened very politely.  I have Raynauds syndrome, Hashimoto's Hypothyroid and a borderline low platelet count.  I have a slow pulse. I'm thin and a runner.  Reading through these posts is amazing because when I explain to people they don't know what I'm talking about.  I've also experienced as another post describes had the burst vessel in my palm which was black and blue and then a hard marble for 6 weeks.  I feel better knowing this isn't very serious but it still is weird!

[pea22]

Wow!  Just hopped on the net to figure out why in last 3 mo. or so I have been increasingly popping blood vessels.  Just by doing very light work with my hands I will pop a vessel in a finger and even just recently in my foot when I stepped down from standing on a chair.  The pain causes my cheeks to tingle!  I am a healthy 30 female, have always been on the slim side, exercise reg., and have always had normal low blood pressure.  I have been drinking more coffee lately (2 big cups) and I am also hypoglycemic.  From reading all the posts, I think I will cut back on caffeine, start taking a multivitamin, and do some more research.  Thanks everyone for posting, so that I may know I am not the only one!

[ilagirl]

My experience is the same as reported by others: intense itching, swelling, and discoloration in fingers without apparent cause.  I am different in that I am a 79 year-old woman whose first "blue finger" happened approximately one month ago, and my second a few days ago.  The last one is still rather more black fading to gray than blue.  
I want to thank "Ginso" for the article from the English hospitals on October 23.  I printed it out and will take it with me to my internist, although I'm not expecting any more insight than what has been reported.  I am on a statin drug, currently Pravastatin.  Nobody has mentioned statin drugs, which have potentially some weird side effects.  I also take Synthroid for hypothyroidism, and that's it for drugs.  I plan to check this website often to get updates from those who are pursuing solutions.   I am so glad I found you all.

[saj1969]

hi happened to me whilst shopping on wed. Felt it pop in my little finger, it has now briused all over however nurse said as long as finger does not go white or swollen so it cant move everything is ok. It could stay briused until christmas and it is very common especially in toes, fingers and eyes, nothing to worry about. hope this helps from Sarah