- Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which blood flow to fingers, toes, ears or nose is interrupted or restricted temporarily due to spasm of arteries. Finger is affected more than toes and ears, nose or lips are affected rarely.
- These episodes are triggered by factors like cold or emotional stress.
- It is also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s syndrome.
- In most of the cases, it isn’t serious health problem. But in some cases, reduced blood flow may cause some damage.
Classification of Raynaud’s Disease
Primary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s disease
- It happens without any disease or illness. Symptoms are mild. It is more common form.
Secondary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s Syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon
- It occurs as a result of other disease and is less common but more severe than primary form. It can cause serious health problems like skin sores and gangrene.
- This condition is associated with some autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematous.
- It may occur as side effects of drugs like beta-blockers, OTC pseudoephedrine medications, bromocriptine, ergotamine and sulfasalazine.
Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease
- The affected part turns white and then blue. Sometimes, it is accompanied by numbness and pain. The episode may last for few minutes or several hours.
- Once blood flow to finger and toes returns, they turn red, tingle and begin to hurt.
- The symptoms of primary Raynaud’s disease begin between the ages of 15 and 25 whereas symptoms of secondary usually begin after the age of 35 to 40.
Risk factors of Raynaud’s Disease
Following are some risk factors of Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Smoking.
- People suffering from autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
- In people using medicines to treat cancer, migraine and high blood pressure.
- People having carpal tunnel syndrome or who use vibrating devices like jammers.
Diagnosis
- There is no particular test to diagnose Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Diagnosis may require complete medical history, examination of finger and toes using special magnifying glass called dermoscope. Blood test may be done to check any signs of autoimmune disorder.
Treatment
- The main goal of treatment is to reduce frequency of attacks. It involves lifestyle modification like keeping hands and feet warm and dry, controlling stress, smoking cessation and doing regular exercise. In many cases, lifestyle modification is enough to control the symptoms.
- Drugs which may cause Raynaud’s phenomenon are avoided.
- In some cases, medications are required. Anti-hypertensive medicines which reduces blood pressure and relax blood vessels like CCBs (calcium channel blockers) and ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker), antidepressants are used.
- Sometimes, medicines that help to improve symptoms like topical cream for skin sores.
- In severe cases, surgery may ne needed. Surgery involves cutting the nerves to the blood vessels in skin to limit how much they open and close.