Pruney fingertips? Hashimotos?

Posted by sheilaz1 @sheilaz1, Aug 7, 2022

I have had Hashimotos for about 25 years . It hasn't noticeably affected me too much. However, my fingers have recently become very pruney like I have been in a pool. They are like this 24/7 as of about two months ago. I have had two doctor appointments and both docs were dismissive and had no answers. I find the change in my fingertips a bit worrisome. I am not dehydrated and my thyroid test levels have not changed. My skin feels more dry and my hair seems to be shedding more than ususal, but otherwise I feel good. I am a 56 year old female. And ideas? Thanks in advance.

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Welcome @sheilaz1, I've had pruney fingers on occassion but it never lasted too long. Here's some information I found that may be helpful.

"Now we know that pruney fingers are caused by shrinking blood vessels. When you soak in water, your nervous system sends a message to your blood vessels to shrink. Your body responds by sending blood away from the area, and the loss of blood volume makes your vessels thinner."
-- What to Know About Pruney Fingers: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-pruney-fingers

Being that 2 doctors have been dismissive, have you thought about seeking help at a teaching hospital or major health facility for a second opinion?

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Thanks for that info, John. I have seen that information and have done a good deal of googling. I have indeed considered going to Mayo for evaluation, like you wisely suggest. I have to believe its related to a thyroid problem, depsite the fact that my TSH numbers are in a normal range. One doc said he thought I was dehydrated. I think they just wanted to move me through fast, and charge me about $700 out of pocket for the 2 5 minute dismissive office visits. I can't imagine I have been dehydrated for two months. I hydrate often and have not changed my beverage consumption patterns. Also, I have started taking B12 per a friends suggestion. Been on B 12 about a month and a half. No change from adding that yet. Thanks again! I appreciate your help.

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I've had Hashimotos for almost 30 years and the pictures of your fingers look the same as my fingers, sheilaz1. My fingers have looked like that for a long time and until reading your post....hadn't given it much thought. I am definitely not dehydrated and so my interest has been spiked by your comments. At my next doctor appointment I will be asking my doctor about this and curious at what she can tell me about "pruney fingers".

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Thanks CherriAnn- If you find out anything please let me know. Somewhat comforting others are in the same boat. Take care!

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I also have Hashimoto's and have noticed that my fingers get pruney at times. For me, it seems at least somewhat connected to Reynaud's episodes, which may fit in with the vascular description.

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@sheilaz1

Thanks for that info, John. I have seen that information and have done a good deal of googling. I have indeed considered going to Mayo for evaluation, like you wisely suggest. I have to believe its related to a thyroid problem, depsite the fact that my TSH numbers are in a normal range. One doc said he thought I was dehydrated. I think they just wanted to move me through fast, and charge me about $700 out of pocket for the 2 5 minute dismissive office visits. I can't imagine I have been dehydrated for two months. I hydrate often and have not changed my beverage consumption patterns. Also, I have started taking B12 per a friends suggestion. Been on B 12 about a month and a half. No change from adding that yet. Thanks again! I appreciate your help.

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Sheila, if you'd like to learn more about requesting an appointment at Mayo Clinic, please see this page: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Any change in your fingers?

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I have noticed for the last few months that my fingertips have also been frequently pruney (if not constantly??). It almost feels as though they're too dry to the touch. I drink, at minimum, 120 ounces of water a day. Interestingly, my TSH, T4, and T3 are and always have been nearly perfect. I feel kinda bad about it, but I think I'm throwing a monkey wrench into the Hashimoto's theory. :/

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my 2 cents, having read the comments thus far: after menopause (not sure about changes of andropause in men), many things change in our skin. In my arms, the crepey skin is most obvious. I suspect it's not related to Hashimotos, although I too have Hashimotos and frequently have wrinkly fingers--probably more commonly wrinkly than not! My thyroid levels have been inconsistent since I've been seeing a new endocrinologist for osteoporosis, who wanted to bring my T3 down (in case it was worsening my bones), and the wrinkling of my fingers and fingertips is consistent. I hydrate, I excercise, and I stay warm. If I could guess one consistent time that my fingers AREN'T wrinkly, it's when I'm hot from exercise.

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@nancyoinnc

my 2 cents, having read the comments thus far: after menopause (not sure about changes of andropause in men), many things change in our skin. In my arms, the crepey skin is most obvious. I suspect it's not related to Hashimotos, although I too have Hashimotos and frequently have wrinkly fingers--probably more commonly wrinkly than not! My thyroid levels have been inconsistent since I've been seeing a new endocrinologist for osteoporosis, who wanted to bring my T3 down (in case it was worsening my bones), and the wrinkling of my fingers and fingertips is consistent. I hydrate, I excercise, and I stay warm. If I could guess one consistent time that my fingers AREN'T wrinkly, it's when I'm hot from exercise.

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I'm looking now at my hand and I see that I have it too. However, at 71 my thyroid if still fine. So maybe just age related?

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