Skin Issues with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

There are many symptoms that come with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Skin issues are one of them. Some are mild while others can become life threatening due to infection.

The skin problems that come with CRPS are all symptoms of the disorder. Some, like the itching and dryness, can be aggravating. The ulcers, if they worsen, can be terrifying. Many people with CRPS experience many of them daily. With vigilance and care, a few of them can be managed.

Common Skin Problems

Color and temperature changes are a common symptom of CRPS. Skin can be purple, blue, pink, or a combination called mottled. The skin may feel cold to the touch. Skin may be varying shades of red and feel warm or hot to the touch. The reason for color and temperature changes is due to the constriction of the blood vessels.

Skin often becomes thin, shiny, brittle and easily bruised with CRPS. Tissue atrophy is the cause of this. Due to the thinning of the skin, you may be cut more easily. Anything from the edge of a box to the rim of a plastic cup can become a cutting edge.

Some have spots of dark discoloration on the CRPS affected limb. This is a thick layer of skin which may peel. It occurs due to disuse of the limb. Another cause is improper skin care because of extreme sensitivity of the skin. Sensitivity to touch and air are common in CRPS.

Ulcers are spots where the skin breaks down. They can become infected and require treatment. The treatment can range from a prescription cream to amputation in the most severe cases. Another treatment is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy(HBOT). It aids in the healing of ulcers of various sizes and severity.

Dry, flaking skin is a common problem. This can occur on the CRPS limb or bodywide. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep the skin hydrated. Try different lotions to see which one works best for you.

Some people with CRPS have spots that look like blood blisters. These spots can become sores. Due to the slowed healing time, the smallest one could take up to two weeks to heal. These should also be closely monitored. In some cases small sores may become ulcers. Consult your doctor if they do not heal or become bigger.

Some people with CRPS have goosebumps on their skin without being cold. This is caused by a pilomotor(py-lo-mo-ter)reflex. This reflex makes tiny muscles called the erector pili(ee-rek-tur pie-lie)muscles pull the hairs on the limb making it stand up straight. In people with CRPS this seems to be another dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

Sweating can affect the limb with CRPS as well as the whole body. Sweating can be very severe and embarrassing. For some, taking a medication like Lyrica can decrease or stop the sweating. Some people may not sweat at all. This should be brought to your doctor's attention.

Itching is a painful problem. It can occur on the affected limb or bodywide. The simple act of scratching causes pain, a lingering sensation of the scratch itself and burning. The thin skin can cause the action of scratching to rip the skin.

One solution is to try epsom salt soaks. It can help with swelling. It also aids in the healing of sores by enhancing the growth of normal skin.

There are other symptoms of CRPS which are much harder to handle. With vigilance and care most skin problems are manageable. Check your skin daily and report any changes to your doctor right away. Delayed healing, and for some a weakened immune system, can cause small skin problems to turn into serious ones quickly.