Raynaud’s phenomenon causes blood vessels in fingers and toes to constrict, causing discoloration, numbness, and/or throbbing or tingling. Attacks are triggered by cold temperatures or emotional stress. Precautions include dressing warmly, reducing stress, and not smoking. There are two forms, primary and secondary, with the latter being more severe and caused by underlying medical conditions. Drug treatment, including calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers, can be successful in some cases.
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to constrict, which causes discoloration, numbness, and/or throbbing or tingling. The attacks are triggered by exposure to cold temperatures or, sometimes, emotional stress.
When someone with Raynaud’s phenomenon is exposed to cold or experiences a stressful situation, blood flow to the extremities is reduced. The small blood vessels that supply blood to your fingers, toes, and sometimes your nose, lips, or earlobes contract. When these arteries narrow or even collapse, the affected area changes its color and feel. During a seizure, the digits may turn white, blue or red, and may also be cold or numb. When the attack ends, the return of blood flow can cause palpitations, tingling, or swelling.
In 1862, a French physician, Maurice Raynaud, published the first report on the condition later called Raynaud’s phenomenon. In her report, he described a young woman whose fingertips changed color when she was exposed to cold or experienced emotional stress. It is estimated that between 5-10% of the US population has Raynaud’s phenomenon. Other names for Raynaud’s phenomenon include Raynaud’s syndrome and Raynaud’s disease.
To prevent attacks, those with Raynaud’s phenomenon can take precautionary measures including dressing warmly, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and not smoking. Other helpful behaviors include wearing insulated drinking goggles, wearing gloves when handling frozen or refrigerated foods, and using hand and foot warmers, such as those sold at sporting goods stores. Since even air conditioning can trigger an attack, dressing in layers is beneficial.
Once an attack occurs, moving indoors and using warm water to warm the extremities can shorten the duration of an episode. Learning to relax is also beneficial for some patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Biofeedback techniques, in which the sufferer learns to increase blood flow to their extremities, are helpful in some cases.
There are two forms of Raynaud’s phenomenon. The primary form, which is the mildest form, occurs in people with no underlying disease or medical problem. The most likely patient is a woman between the ages of 15 and 40. The secondary and more severe form of Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs in people who have connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other possible causes of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon include carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive artery disease, and some medications. Certain occupations that involve exposure to certain chemicals or toxic substances or those that involve the use of vibrating tools, such as a jackhammer, can also trigger the secondary form of the disorder.
While there is no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon, drug treatment is successful in some cases. Oral medications include calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers. Calcium channel blockers, which dilate blood vessels and promote circulation, work for many patients. Some patients who have developed skin ulcers apply a nitroglycerin paste to the affected fingers.
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