Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud’s disease (also referred to as Raynaud's syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon) is a condition affecting the circulation of blood in the fingers and toes, usually when exposed to cold, sudden temperature changes or emotional stress. Typically they go a distinctive white or blue colour and become numb. When warmed they turn red and painful throbbing replaces the numbness.
The condition is the result of small blood vessels in the affected areas constricting and reducing blood flow. Raynaud’s almost exclusively affects the fingers and toes but in rare cases the tip of the nose or tongue can be affected. It is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time. Initially it may only affect the tips of the fingers or toes, but over time it may progress to affect all the fingers and toes. The rate of progression differs greatly amongst individuals.
Raynaud’s disease is estimated to affect up to 10 percent of New Zealanders. It is approximately seven times more common in women than it is in men.
Types of Raynaud’s disease
There are two types of Raynaud’s disease – Primary and Secondary:
Primary Raynaud’s disease
In these cases, the cause of the condition is unknown. It does run in families, however, so a genetic cause is suspected. Primary Raynaud’s disease is five times more common in women than it is in men, and usually starts between the ages of 20 and 45 years.
Primary Raynaud’s disease is usually a mild condition and produces few complications. In rare cases the condition progresses rapidly.
Secondary Raynaud’s disease
Secondary Raynaud’s disease is so called because it occurs secondary to another condition or factor, such as:
- Diseases that affect the skin and joints eg: scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Medications that narrow the blood vessels, eg: beta-blockers.
- Hormone imbalances eg: hypothyroidism.
- Injury eg: frost bite.
- Occupational exposure to constant vibration (eg: chainsaws) or repetitive movement (eg: typing)
Signs and Symptoms
Raynaud’s disease occurs in “episodes”, where symptoms are present for a period of time, then resolve. Most episodes occur in response to exposure to cold or emotional stress. An episode tends to come on very quickly and can last for minutes or a number of hours. The symptoms experienced during and episode of Raynaud’s disease will depend on the severity, frequency and duration of the blood vessel spasm.
In mild cases, only skin discolouration or minor tingling may be experienced. In more severe cases the lack of oxygen can irritate nerves, causing pain, and can damage the tissues beneath the skin. In rare cases the prolonged lack of oxygen can cause cracked skin or chilblains, or small ulcers at the tips of the fingers.
There are three distinct phases to an episode of Raynaud’s disease:
- Small arteries become narrow (constrict), reducing the flow of blood through them. The affected fingers and toes become pale due to lack of blood.
- Lack of oxygen causes the affected fingers and toes to become blue in colour. They may also feel cold, numb and tingly.
- The arteries dilate again, increasing blood flow and causing the affected fingers and toes to flush bright red. They may also feel warm and may throb painfully.
A general feeling of tightness in the affected area may also be experienced during an episode.
Treatment
There is no known way to prevent the development of Raynaud’s disease and there is no known cure for the condition.
Episodes can be prevented by avoiding situations that trigger them. Practical steps that can help to achieve this include:
- Keeping warm and maintaining a constant body temperature.
- Wearing gloves and warm socks when out in the cold.
- Not smoking – nicotine can narrow the blood vessels.
- Not directly handling cold things eg: bottles of milk, items out of the freezer.
- Keeping the skin supple by using moisturisers.
- Learning how to manage stress and emotional situations.
- Avoiding medications that can aggravate blood vessel spasm eg: some cold and flu medications.
Where treatment is required, this may include:
- Warming the hands and feet with clothing or in warm water
- Medications to widen the blood vessels and promote circulation (calcium channel blockers).
- Medications to thin the blood eg: aspirin.
- Treatment of underlying conditions in cases of secondary Raynaud’s disease.
- Alternative therapies eg: massage, acupuncture.
In severe cases of Raynaud’s disease, surgery to prevent the small nerves in the fingers and toes from stimulating the blood vessels to spasm may be recommended. This is known as sympathectomy.
References
Anderson, K.N., Anderson, L.E. & Glanze, W.D. (eds.) (2006) Mosby’s medical, nursing, & allied health dictionary (6th ed.) St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.
Fallon, L. F. (2006) Raynaud's disease. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Third Edition. Jacqueline L. Longe, Editor. 5 vols. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale.
Wright, K. D. and Frey, R. J. (2005) Raynaud's syndrome. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. 2nd Edition. Jacqueline L. Longe, Editor. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group.
Last Reviewed – 12/06/07