Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this happens, blood can't 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. Cold weather and stress can trigger attacks. Often the cause of Raynaud's is not known. People in colder climates are more likely to develop Raynaud's than people in warmer areas.

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

Soaking hands in warm water at the first sign of an attack
Keeping your hands and feet warm in cold weather

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Raynaud's Disease on Wikipedia

'''Raynaud's disease''' (RAY-noz) is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities which include the fingers, toes, nose and ears when exposed to temperature changes or stress. It was named after Maurice Raynaud (1834 - 1881), a French physician who first described it in 1862.

Symptoms

When exposed to cold temperatures, the oxygen supply to the fingertips, toes, and earlobes of Raynaud's disease patients are reduced and the skin color turn pale or white (called pallor). When the oxygen supply is depleted, the skin color turns blue (called cyanosis). When warmed, blood returns to the area and the skin color turns red (rubor) and then back to normal. All three color changes are present in Classic Raynaud's Disease. However, some patients do not see all of the color changes in all outbreaks of this condition.

Disease vs. Phenomenon

It is important to distinguish ''Raynaud's disease'' from Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's disease or Primary Raynaud's is diagnosed if the symptoms occur only by itself and is not accompanied by other diseases. It often develops in young women in their teens and young adulthood. This form of Raynaud's is hereditary. Raynaud's phenomenon or Secondary Raynaud's occurs secondary to a large group of diseases, mainly connective tissue disorders such as lupus erythematosus, scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, arthritis and many others. In contrast to the ''disease'' form, this form of Raynaud's can progress to necrosis or gangrene of the fingertips. In order to diagnose these two forms of Raynaud's, your doctor may look for signs of arthritis or vasculitis and conduct a number of medical laboratory tests.

Prevention

Patients with Raynaud's disease are suggested to keep warm by wearing gloves and socks. They should also avoid touching cold objects, stress, medicines that can constrict ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. - Question and answer format concerning raynaud's phenomenon.

The Arthritis Society: Raynaud's Phenomenon - Answers questions such as what it is, how common it is, what the warning signs are, what causes it and what can done about it. Additional tips for living well with this disease.

Biofeedback for Aid in Vascular Disease - An article about the use of this therapy as an adjunctive aid to medical treatment for raynaud's phenomenon.

Vibration White Finger - Know as Raynaud's Phenomenon, a health industrial disease. Tips on compensation claims, beating the medicals for compensation and make them pay for the disease.

Raynaud's Disease and Associated Disorders - Article offering natural remedies for Raynaud's phenomenon (peripheral vascular spasm), chilblains, cold hands and feet, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and connective tissue diseases, and associated vascular disorders.

Understanding Raynaud's Phenomenon - A detailed explanation of this disease from About.com.

Hyperhidrosis USA - Treatment for the hands, face, and underarms, as well as management of blushing and Raynaud's disease.

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