Self-Care Guidelines
For acute attacks of gout, the following measures may be beneficial:
- Rest and elevate the affected joint, if possible.
- Apply ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Take ibuprofen for relief of pain and inflammation (unless you have a history of kidney disease or stomach ulcers).
- Avoid aspirin, as it can worsen the condition in some people.
- Apply hemorrhoid creams to the skin to temporarily reduce inflammation.
After an acute attack, skin overlying the affected joint may peel and shed. If this occurs on a toe joint, the area may be more likely to develop a fungal infection (athlete's foot). Keep the area dry and use an over-the-counter antifungal cream, such as terbinafine or clotrimazole.
Patients with a history of gout should consider the following:
- Avoid foods high in purines such as anchovies, organ meat, red meat, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, dried beans (as well as peas and lentils), and cauliflower.
- Limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks per day if you are a man and 1 drink per day if you are a woman.
- Consume purine-neutralizing foods such as fresh fruits (especially cherries and strawberries), most vegetables, celery juice, and B-complex and C vitamins.
- Drink an extra 4–5 glasses of water per day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you suddenly develop a painful, red, hot joint, see a physician as soon as possible. While the diagnosis may be gout, it could also be an infected joint. Treatment should be started immediately.
Signs and Symptoms
