Raynaud’s Disease – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Raynaud’s disease affects certain body areas, especially fingers and toes. It causes them to feel cold and numb when exposed to cold temperatures or stress.

This happens because small blood vessels narrow, restricting blood flow in a process called vasospasm.

This condition may also be referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s syndrome. Women experience this condition more frequently than men, and people living in colder climates seem to develop it more often.

Who is affected:

• Women (more commonly than men)
• People in colder climates
• Individuals with certain underlying health conditions

The treatment approach for Raynaud’s disease varies based on severity and whether it is linked to other medical conditions. While most people find that Raynaud’s isn’t disabling, it can impact quality of life in various ways.

Signs and Symptoms

Raynaud’s disease typically causes noticeable changes in your fingers and toes. When symptoms appear, you might notice your fingers or toes becoming cold.

Your skin may change color, first turning white and then blue. These color changes might be more or less visible depending on your skin tone.

You might also feel numbness, prickling sensations, or stinging pain when your skin warms up or when stress decreases. During a Raynaud’s attack, the skin in affected areas typically goes through a sequence of changes.

Raynaud’s can also impact other body parts, such as:

• Nose
• Lips
• Ears
• Nipples

After an attack, it may take up to 15 minutes for normal blood flow to return. When this happens, you might notice throbbing, tingling, or swelling in those spots.

When Medical Help Is Needed

If you have a history of severe Raynaud’s and experience sores or infections on your fingers or toes, seek medical help immediately. These complications require prompt professional evaluation to prevent more serious problems.

Causes

Raynaud’s attacks happen when blood vessels in the hands and feet overreact to cold temperatures or stress.

During an attack, these blood vessels narrow too much, which reduces blood flow to the affected areas. Over time, the blood vessels may become slightly thicker, further limiting circulation.

Raynaud’s attacks are commonly triggered by touching cold objects, being in chilly weather, or immersing hands in cold water. For many people, emotional stress can also set off an attack.

Types of Raynaud’s

There are two main types of Raynaud’s with different underlying causes:

Primary Raynaud’s

• Not linked to another health condition
• More common and usually mild
• Symptoms may improve or resolve over time

Secondary Raynaud’s

• Caused by another medical condition
• Less common, but more severe
• Typically develops after age 40

Several factors may lead to secondary Raynaud’s:

• Connective tissue disorders – Conditions like scleroderma (which causes hardening of the skin), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome often involve Raynaud’s phenomenon.

• Blood vessel diseases – These include fatty deposits in heart blood vessels and conditions where blood vessels become inflamed in the hands and feet.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Pressure on a major hand nerve increases cold

  sensitivity.

• Repetitive actions and vibration – Activities like typing or playing piano for long periods, or using vibrating tools such as jackhammers, can trigger symptoms

• Smoking – Tobacco use causes blood vessels to narrow.

• Hand or foot injuries – Wrist fractures, surgery, or frostbite can lead to secondary Raynaud’s.

• Certain medications – Some drugs can trigger symptoms, including:

  • Blood pressure medications (beta-blockers)
  • Migraine treatments
  • ADHD medications
  • Some cancer drugs
  • Certain cold medicines

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing Raynaud’s phenomenon:

Primary Raynaud’s Risk Factors:

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.
• Age: Most commonly begins between ages 15 and 30.
• Weather: People living in colder regions face a higher risk.
• Family Connections: Having relatives with Raynaud’s increases your risk.

Secondary Raynaud’s Risk Factors:

• Underlying Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like scleroderma and lupus.
• Occupational Hazards: Jobs involving vibrating tools or repetitive hand traumas.
• External Substances:
  • Tobacco use
  • Certain medications affecting blood vessels
  • Chemical exposure (like vinyl chloride)

People with these risk factors should pay attention to symptoms, especially during cold weather or stressful situations.

Complications

Severe secondary Raynaud’s can sometimes reduce blood flow enough to damage tissue in fingers or toes, though this happens rarely.

In extreme cases, blood vessels may become completely blocked. This can lead to skin ulcers or tissue death in the affected area. These complications are difficult to treat and require medical attention.

In extreme cases, amputation of the affected body part might become necessary.

Ways to Prevent Attacks

Protecting yourself from Raynaud’s attacks involves simple daily habits. During cold weather, dress warmly in layers. Wear a hat, scarf, and double up on gloves or mittens.

Don’t forget thermal underwear for extra protection. Make sure your coat has tight cuffs that keep cold air away from your wrists.

Protect your face by wearing a face mask and earmuffs when the temperature drops. This helps keep sensitive areas like your nose and ears warm.

Indoor Prevention Tips:

• Warm up your car before driving in cold weather.
• Always wear socks inside your home.
• Use oven mitts when handling hot items from the oven.
• Consider wearing mittens and socks to bed during winter months.
• Set air conditioning to warmer temperatures.
• Use insulated drinking glasses that don’t feel cold to the touch.

These practical steps can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing painful Raynaud’s symptoms. Planning ahead for temperature changes helps you maintain comfort throughout your daily activities.