What are the Important Skin Symptoms of RSD?
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD attorney in Sacramento. Those who live with chronic pain understand just how serious this can be. When someone has been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), this is often a life-changing experience. Some of the symptoms that people might experience include:
- Severe burning or shock-like pain in one of their arms or legs
- Loss of dexterity and mobility in their fingers or toes
- Severe joint stiffness that makes it hard to walk or run
- Swelling of the hands, feet, arms, or legs
It is easy to see how these symptoms can prevent someone from going to work or attending school. While these symptoms are significant, there are also some other issues that people should look after. These might clue somebody in that they could be suffering from RSD. In addition to the symptoms discussed above, RSD can also be present with skin, hair, and nail symptoms that could cause their own quality of life issues. It is important for individuals suffering from RSD and their families to understand the entirety of the picture that Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy can create.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Skin Symptoms
Because RSD can cause such severe pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet, it is easy to focus on these issues; however, the skin symptoms that accompany Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy can be just as severe. According to published research, up to 5 percent of patients can develop skin symptoms with RSD. Some of the issues that people may notice include:
Darker Skin: The skin covering the affected area tends to turn dark when people have RSD for an extended period of time. Because people do not use the affected limb as much, the outer layers of the skin do not wear off like they usually do. Furthermore, the pain often prevents people from taking care of this area of skin properly. When the skin doesn’t peel, it tends to turn dark. Washing the area or placing a simple cream on it could solve this discoloration.
Nail Growth: Many individuals with RSD notice that their nails may grow more quickly. They could appear hard and brittle. Other people have reported that the nails become more curved. Medical professionals sometimes call these nails “hourglass nails” and many patients do not like to cut their nails because of the intense pain. Some patients have found nail files to be effective. It is important to try and trim these nails to prevent them from becoming ingrown.
Brittle Skin: Because the tissue in the affected area tends to atrophy, the skin becomes brittle. It often bruises easily and could appear like eczema. In severe cases, ulcers of the skin may start to appear. It is important to seek medical care for these ulcers as quickly as possible. Ulcers in these areas of skin tend to heal slowly and could become infected.
Lymphedema: The swelling that individuals with RSD notice could be due to blockage of the lymphatic systems. If this starts to compress the arteries and veins, blood clots could begin to form. Medical professionals often start compression stockings to keep the fluid mobile and prevent this from happening; however, because of the excruciating pain, this usually is not possible. Therefore, people are often asked to take medications to keep their blood flowing. In severe cases, a sympathetic nerve block could be suggested as well.
Help is Available
For families struggling with RSD, help is available. A trained RSD attorney in Sacramento can help a family review all of the legal options available to them.
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Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you believe you have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please reach out to me at (916) 382-0693 for free, friendly legal advice.
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