Raynaud's disease

 

 

Raynaud's disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. It causes the blood vessels to narrow when you are cold or feeling stressed. When this happens, blood cannot get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood flow returns, the skin turns red and throbs or tingles. In severe cases, loss of blood flow can cause sores or tissue death.

There are two types of Raynaud’s disease:

1. Primary Raynaud's happens on its own. The cause is not known.

2. Secondary Raynaud's, which is caused by injuries, other diseases, or certain medicines.

 

 

Common risk factors are:

1. Cold climate

2. Gender (Women are more prone)

3. Family History 

4. Age (those over age 30)

 

 

Symptoms usually depend on the frequency and severity of the disease. Common ones are:

1. Cold fingers or toes

2. Color changes in your skin in response to cold or stress

3. Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or stress relief

 

 

Treatment for Raynaud's may include drugs to keep the blood vessels open. There are also simple things you can do yourself, such as:

1. Soaking hands in warm water at the first sign of an attack

2. Keeping your hands and feet warm in cold weather

3. Avoiding triggers, such as certain medicines and stress