Raynaud's phenomenon & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes reduced blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and the tip of the nose. This condition usually occurs due to exposure to cold temperatures. The skin initially turns white then blue and purple or red. This condition can last from a few minutes to several hours. Without treatment, sores or ulcers can develop. With low blood flow for a long time, the skin in the affected area can be permanently damaged.

How common is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon occurs at all ages, but the majority of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon are women at the age of 20 to 40 years. This disease usually occurs in cold climates. You can minimize your chances of experiencing Raynaud's phenomenon by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms include:

• Fingers lose color (turn white then blue and purple or red)
• Pain, tingling and numbness can occur when the affected area turns white
• Some people have swelling, warmth, or throbbing when the affected area turns purple or red
• The feet, nose and ears can also be affected

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Check with your doctor right away if you have a history of severe Raynaud's and have pain or infection in one of your fingers or toes. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes Raynaud's phenomenon?

There are two types of Raynaud's phenomenon namely primary and secondary.

Primary Raynaud's (also called Raynaud's disease), the cause is unknown.

However, doctors suspect that cold temperatures and mental stress are the main factors.

Secondary Raynaud's is caused by an underlying disease, condition, or other factors, such as:

Diseases and conditions

Diseases and conditions that directly damage the arteries or damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet. For example, Raynaud's occurs in most people who have scleroderma. This condition is also a common problem for people with lupus.

Other examples of diseases and conditions that Raynaud's can cause include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Atherosclerosis
• Blood disorders such as cryoglobulinemia and polycythemia
• Sjögren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis
• Buerger's disease

Repetitive action

Repeated actions that damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet can cause secondary Raynaud's

Wounds to the hands and feet

Hand or foot injuries from accidents, surgery, numbness, or other reasons can cause Raynaud's phenomenon.

Exposure to certain chemicals

Exposure to certain workplace chemicals can lead to scleroderma-like disease associated with Raynaud's. An example of this type of chemical is vinyl chloride, which is used in the plastics industry.

The nicotine in cigarettes can also increase your risk of developing Raynaud's.

Drugs

Migraine drugs containing ergotamine, certain cancer drugs, such as cisplatin and vinblastine. Some medicines for colds and allergies as well as diet aids, beta blockers and birth control pills can cause Raynaud's phenomenon.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for Raynaud's phenomenon?

Certain factors that increase your risk of having Raynaud's phenomenon include:

• Family history. Primary Raynaud's can occur in members of the same family
• Associated diseases. These include conditions such as scleroderma and lupus
• Certain jobs. People whose jobs cause repetitive trauma, such as vibrating tools, may be more susceptible to secondary Raynaud's
• Smoking tobacco or using some drugs such as:
• Beta blockers are used for the treatment of high blood pressure
• Migraine, drugs containing ergotamine
• Medication for hyperactivity or lack of focus
• Chemicals used for chemotherapy
• Several cold and allergy medications and diet aids on the market. Some of these medicines can narrow your arteries

Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't have Raynaud's phenomenon. These factors are for reference only. You should consult your doctor for more details

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for Raynaud's phenomenon?

The best way to manage this phenomenon is through a combination of therapy and prevention. In particular, you must:

• Keep your body warm, especially your hands, feet, ears and nose
• If emotional stress appears to be causing Raynaud's phenomenon, taking relaxation and biofeedback can help relieve stress
• For severe conditions, your doctor may prescribe calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine), which can increase blood flow by decreasing blood flow. If these medications don't help relieve severe symptoms, an operation called a sympathectomy may be recommended. This surgery involves cutting the nerves that cause the blood vessels to contract and decrease blood flow
• People who work outside or have jobs that expose the body to cold temperatures should try to change their work environment or find other jobs

Most people lead normal lives by following a doctor's advice

What are the usual tests for Raynaud's phenomenon?

Your doctor can make a diagnosis based on your medical history and physical examination. They can also use the following tests: Cold stimulation test: the doctor will place a hand in cold water to trigger Raynaud's phenomenon. If you have Raynaud's, it may take more than 20 minutes for your fingers to return to their normal temperature after they have been lifted out of the cold water.

Nailfold capillaroscopy: The doctor will look at your nails under a microscope to find abnormal arteries.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Raynaud's phenomenon?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Raynaud's phenomenon:

• Keep yourself warm, wear layers of clothing, wear layered gloves, wear a hat and scarf, and always carry a sweater.
• Use oven mittens to remove items from the refrigerator and freezer, and warm the bathroom by letting the warm baths run
• Do not smoke. Smoking causes the skin temperature to drop by constricting blood vessels, which can lead to Raynaud's phenomenon. Inhaling secondhand smoke can also make Raynaud's worse
• Check your fingers, toes, nose and ears daily for new sores or infections

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.