What is Raynaud’s disease?
Raynaud’s disease is a rare disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. The blood vessels narrow when a person feels cold or stressed, which means that blood cannot reach the surface of the skin. The affected areas turn white and blue. The skin becomes red, throbbing and tingling as the blood circulates again.
What causes Raynaud’s disease?
The cause of primary Raynaud’s disease is still unknown to physicians. It is the most common variant of the disease and because it is mild, people do not need to seek treatment. Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by an underlying problem, such as injuries, other diseases and some medications. The disease is more common in women, people with a family history and those over 30 years of age. It is also more common in people living in colder climates. Although the cause is not fully understood, the blood vessels in the hands and feet seem to overreact to cold and stress.
There are several symptoms that patients may suffer, some of them are the change of color of some parts of the body or the sensation of pain.
What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease?
Raynaud’s disease affects the blood circulation and the symptoms may last a few minutes or a few hours. The symptoms, which usually affect the fingers and toes, are:
- They change color – they turn blue
- Pain
- Numbness
- Prickling sensation like “pins and needles”.
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- The ears, nose, lips, and nipples may also be affected.
Rarely, Raynaud’s disease may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
How is Raynaud’s treated?
Treatment for Raynaud’s disease may involve the medication Nifedipine, which allows blood vessels to open up. Some people may need to take it every day, while others only use it to prevent Raynaud’s, such as during the winter months. There are also things you can do at home, such as:
- Soaking hands in warm water when an attack happens.
- Make sure hands and feet are kept warm in cold weather.
- Avoid triggers, such as some medications and stress.
- Exercise regularly – improves blood circulation
- Breathing exercises – to relax
- Avoid smoking – to improve circulation
- Drink less caffeine
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Can Raynaud’s disease be cured?
Raynaud’s disease is usually a chronic disease, which usually worsens in the winter and subsides in the summer. The pain may start suddenly but can also disappear in an instant. This happens when a person stops smoking or stops taking any medication that is associated with the condition.