This is the 3rd time in 3 years I am having this 'syndrome' which so far has not been labelled or properly treated. It starts with a a subtle feeling of difficulty in swallowing. This is usually followed by a tingling sensation in my throat. It becomes sore throat and low grade fever for which I take paracetamol to relieve. Few days later I start feeling tenderness in my tongue and after a couple of days I wake up to find my tongue has this white surface typically like thrush. When I had this the first time I was prescribed oral anti-fungal azole. However now I know it is not a fungal infection. This continues for few days before it starts to clear leaving a red and tender tongue with very tender and itchy tip. Then the main attraction starts. My finger tips in my palms start to become hard (near the tips close to the nails) and gradually each tip becomes hard and dies off. each finger tip then pops open and the skin dies off and I start removing the dead skin leaving the skin underneath red and sensitive. The whole process goes to my sole of feet as the whole sole of each foot also dies off and the skin becomes insensitive to touch and I start removing large pieces like when you take off your socks. The whole process is painless but distressing visually horrible and the affected areas are tender and it hurts to walk. In the past my dermatologist started me on steroids (a week or 10 day's course gradually reducing). However I am not sure if this has been helpful. The syndrome continues for a month before it clears off. What is happening?
2014-12-10 03:47:44
You have described your symptoms very well. Since the symptoms occur again and again and follow a course and end by themselves possibility of a viral illness of the hand foot and mouth (HFM) disease type should be seriously considered. This viral illness is common in children under five years of age but it can also affect adults. It begins with a feeling of malaise fever sore throat mouth ulcers and a blistering rash on palms and soles which may extend to involve elbows and knees. You may not have the typical rash seen in HFM disease but the course of symptoms is identical to this disease. Throat samples can be sent to look for virus (usually the enterovirus group). There is no treatment specific to the illness except managing the symptoms maintaining good personal hygiene eating healthy and leading a healthy lifest
2014-12-10 03:48:57
