I am a 56 year old female who had just been diagnosed with DC. I had been misdiagnosed with arthritis almost 3 years ago and my physician recommended 1500 mg of glucosamine daily which severely exacberated the condition (the undiagnosed DC): more pain, swelling, the accelerated (I believe) apprearnce of nodes on my left hand which had had none previously. Now the hand surgeon who made the proper diagnosis has recommended Paraffin Baths and my insurance co. will put this durable piece of medical equipment in my home for me to use several times a day. The theory is that it will both relieve pain and diminish inflamattion. Has anyone else out there used this apparatus with any surress? Thanks for any and all input.

Jane,
By a parafin bath, I assume you mean the small appli-
ance that melts parafin wax and is often used in nail salons
for manicures. My manicurist has one and I used it in her
salon as part of my manicures. I had often wondered if it
would help with my husband's skin/scar tissue problems.
When they became readily available in the retail market, I
purchased one for our home. He has never gotten any major
benefit from it for his dupuytrens, however has said that
it gives some temporary relief for his hands. If you put a
good moisturizer on your hands first and leave the wax on
awhile before removing it, it gives some softening of the
skin and temporary pain relief. It's worth a try since I
only paid about $40.00 for it.

A starting point might be an accurate diagnosis.
Precisely what stage DD is involved. Then a consult
with a Doctor familiar with DD/DC would be in order.
Either contact Dr. Eaton in Fla.. or consider a trip
to Europe after an email consult with pictures to a
member of the hospital staff that has treated the condition
for more than a decade: Lariboisiere Hospital in Paris.
The paraffin will reduce unwanted hair in the meanwhile.
Nair might be easier. Neither will relieve the Dupuytren's.
You deserve better advice in my humble opinion. Seek it.