Capillaroscopy - Warsaw and Płock
Cold, bluish or blanching fingers are not always just a reaction to the cold. In some patients they can be a sign of microcirculation disorders or a symptom of a rheumatological, autoimmune or dermatological disease.
Capillaroscopy makes it possible to closely examine the smallest blood vessels visible at the nails and to assess whether their appearance requires further diagnosis.
At OpenMed we perform the examination in Warsaw and in Płock, especially when Raynaud's phenomenon, systemic sclerosis, lupus, dermatomyositis and other diseases involving microcirculation disorders are suspected.
What does the examination at OpenMed look like?
The examination is short, painless and does not require puncturing the skin. The doctor assesses the area of the nail folds using a magnifying device. A preparation improving the visibility of the small vessels may be applied to the skin.
Capillaroscopy usually takes about a dozen minutes. After the examination the patient can immediately return to everyday activities. The doctor discusses the result and informs whether further diagnosis or a specialist consultation is advisable.
How to prepare for capillaroscopy?
It is best to come to the examination with a natural, non-irritated nail area.
Before capillaroscopy:
- do not cut the cuticles,
- do not have a manicure directly before the visit,
- do not apply nail polish, hybrid or gel,
- avoid cuts and injuries around the nails,
- do not let your hands get cold on the day of the examination.
If you have earlier rheumatological, dermatological or laboratory test results, bring them to the visit.
Capillaroscopy at OpenMed
Capillaroscopy at OpenMed is available in Warsaw and in Płock. The examination may be helpful for people with symptoms of microcirculation disorders, suspected Raynaud's phenomenon, connective tissue diseases and selected dermatological problems.
If your fingers get cold, turn pale, bluish, numb or hurt, it is worth checking whether the symptoms require further diagnosis.
Book a visit at OpenMed by phone or online. The OpenMed team will help choose the most convenient date for the examination in Warsaw or in Płock.
When is it worth having a capillaroscopy?
It is worth coming for the examination when symptoms concerning the fingers recur, intensify or appear without a clear cause. Particular attention should be paid to attacks of blanching, bluish discoloration or reddening of the fingers, especially after contact with cold or in stressful situations. Capillaroscopy will be helpful if the following occur:
- cold fingers of the hands or feet,
- blanching, bluish discoloration or reddening of the fingers,
- numbness, tingling or pain in the fingers,
- suspected Raynaud's phenomenon,
- cracking of the skin around the fingertips,
- slow-healing changes on the hands,
- suspected microcirculation disorders,
- suspected rheumatological or autoimmune disease,
- the need for check-ups in patients under the care of a rheumatologist or dermatologist.
The examination will help the doctor assess whether the symptoms are mild in nature or require deeper diagnosis.
Which diseases does capillaroscopy help to diagnose?
Capillaroscopy is used primarily in diagnosing diseases in which changes occur in the small blood vessels. It is significant, among others, when systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease and Raynaud's phenomenon are suspected.
The examination is also used in dermatology, especially when skin changes are accompanied by bluish discoloration, blanching, cracking of the skin, healing disorders or other symptoms suggesting abnormal microcirculation. The result of capillaroscopy is not a standalone diagnosis, but it can indicate whether the patient should continue rheumatological, dermatological or laboratory diagnosis.
Raynaud's phenomenon and capillaroscopy
Raynaud's phenomenon is a paroxysmal change in the colour of the fingers. Most often the fingers first turn pale, then bluish, and then become red and may hurt, go numb or burn. The symptoms usually appear after exposure to cold or under the influence of stress.
Capillaroscopy helps to assess whether the appearance of the vessels is normal or may suggest a secondary form of Raynaud's phenomenon, related for example to connective tissue disease. Thanks to this, the examination can be an important step in determining further management.
Capillaroscopy - FAQ
No. Capillaroscopy is a painless and non-invasive examination.
The examination usually takes about a dozen minutes.
Capillaroscopy does not replace a full rheumatological diagnosis, but it can show changes in microcirculation that occur in some connective tissue diseases.
Yes. The examination can also be helpful in dermatology, especially when skin changes on the hands, cracking of the skin, bluish discoloration of the fingers or healing difficulties may be related to microcirculation disorders.
It is best to come without hybrid, gel or nail polish. Such products can make it harder to assess the vessels in the nail area.
The examination is worth considering with recurring cold, blanching, bluish discoloration, numbness or pain in the fingers, especially if the symptoms appear after contact with cold or stress.