Dupuytren's Contracture

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Overview

What you need to know

This mysterious malady often starts with a small, tender lump in the palm of your hand and can lead to finger deformity. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:

• Try vitamin E
• Take 200 to 1,000 IU of vitamin E a day for several months to help treat Dupuytren's contracture

• Discover DMSO
• Under a healthcare provider's supervision, apply this solvent to the skin several times daily to help control pain and soften connective tissues

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full Dupuytren's contracture article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.

About Dupuytren's contracture

In Dupuytren's contracture, a fibrous tissue formation occurs in the palm of the hand that can cause the last two fingers to curl up.

The origin of this condition is not well understood.

Check list

Product ratings for Dupuytren's contracture

Rating	Nutritional Supplements	Herbs
	DMSO (topical) Vitamin E
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

Dupuytren's contracture is initially noticed as a tender, small, hardened nodule on the palm of the hand. As it progresses, a cordlike band develops along the palm and finger, which causes the affected finger to stay in a semi-closed position.

Supplements

Vitamins that may be helpful

Many decades ago, researchers investigated the effects of taking vitamin E to treat Dupuytren's contracture. Several studies reported that taking 200-2,000 IU of vitamin E per day for several months was helpful.¹ Other studies, however, did not find it useful.² Overall, there are more positive trials than negative ones,³ although none of the published research is recent. Nonetheless, some doctors believe that a three-month trial using very high amounts of vitamin E (2,000 IU per day) is helpful in some cases.

DMSO applied to the affected area may reduce pain by inhibiting transmission of pain messages, and may also soften the abnormal connective tissue associated with disorders such as Dupuytren's contracture, keloids, Peyronie's disease, and scleroderma. Research on the use of topical DMSO to treat Dupuytren's contracture remains preliminary and unproven.⁴

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

References

1. Thomson GR. Treatment of Dupuytren's contracture with vitamin E. BMJ 1949;Dec 17:1382-3.
2. Richards HJ. Dupuytren's contracture treated with vitamin E. BMJ 1952;June 21:1328.
3. Kirk JE, Chieffi M. Tocopherol administration to patients with Dupuytren's contracture: effect on plasma tocopherol levels and degree of contracture. Pro Soc Exp Biol Med 1952;80:565 [review].
4. Jacob SW, Wood DC. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Toxicology, pharmacology, and clinical experience. Am J Surg 1967;114:414-26.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.

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