What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

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Raynaud disease is a condition that can cause the fingers and toes to turn white or purple-blue. Raynaud disease does not always cause symptoms, but people who have it sometimes get an "attack" when it is cold out, when they feel stressed, or when they are startled. Raynaud disease is more common in women than men.

 

Normally, blood vessels in parts of the body become narrow under certain conditions, such as when it is very cold out. In people with Raynaud disease, the blood vessels become much more narrow than usual during these times. This causes symptoms.

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Most often, Raynaud disease affects the fingers. During an attack, the fingers suddenly become cold and turn white or purple-blue. The thumb is not usually affected. During an attack, your hand might feel numb, clumsy, or like it has "pins and needles.". Attacks can happen when you go from a warm area to a cooler area, such as walking into an air-conditioned building.  Your toes, ears, nose, face, knees, and nipples can also be affected.

 

Once you warm up or are no longer stressed, the symptoms go away and the skin becomes pink or red. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

People who have Raynaud disease plus another disease affecting their blood vessels can have more severe symptoms. Their attacks can last longer, and they can develop pain or open sores on their fingers and toes.

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How is it prevented and treated?

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To help prevent attacks, you can try not to let your body get cold too quickly and or change temperatures too quickly. Keep your whole body warm and avoid cold breezes or cold places when possible. You can dress warmly by wearing layers of clothes, hats, and mittens or gloves and by using hand warmers. Avoid smoking – Smoking can make your symptoms worse. Avoid medicines that cause blood vessels to become narrow, such as cold medicines or diet pills.  If you have an attack, you can try to end it quickly by warming up your hands. Place your hands in warm water or in a warm place, such as in your armpits.

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There are certain medications that can help reduce the Raynaud's phenomena as well.