Do you dread shaking hands with people because your hands are always cold? Have your fingers or toes ever turned white or blue? If so, you may have a condition known as Raynaud’s (ray-NOHZ).
According to the Raynaud’s Association, Raynaud’s is a disorder that affects about 5-10% of the U.S. population and is more common in women than in men. Raynaud’s causes vasospasms, a narrowing of the blood vessels in response to cold temperatures or stress. These spasms decrease blood flow to areas such as the fingers and toes, causing them to feel numb and cold.
There are two main types of Raynaud’s:
Primary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s disease) is more common and tends to be less severe than secondary Raynaud’s.
Secondary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s phenomenon) is caused by an underlying disease, condition, or other factor.
Many things can cause or raise your risk of developing secondary Raynaud’s, including:
- Diseases and Conditions – secondary Raynaud’s is linked to disorders such as scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis that damage the arteries or the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet
- Repetitive Actions – such as playing the piano, using vibrating tools or typing
- Hand or Foot Injuries – frostbite or surgery on the hands or feet
- Smoking – nicotine constricts the blood vessels
- Medication – some medications that can increase your risk include beta blockers, migraine medicines that contain ergotamine or sumatriptan, and some over-the-counter cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine
Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s
Although Raynaud’s most commonly affects your fingers and toes, the condition can also affect other areas of your body such as your nose, lips, ears and even nipples. Some common symptoms include:
- Cold fingers or toes
- Color changes in your skin in response to cold or stress – affected areas usually first turn white and then may turn blue
- As the affected area warms and circulation improves, it may turn red and throb or swell
If you have an attack, it’s important to warm your hands, feet or other affected areas. To gently warm your fingers and toes:
- If possible, get indoors or to a warmer area
- Run warm (not hot) water over your fingers and toes
- Massage your hands and feet
- Wiggle your fingers and toes
- Place your hands under your armpits
- Make wide circles (windmills) with your arms to improve circulation
If you have a history of Raynaud’s and develop a sore or infection in one of your affected fingers or toes, contact your doctor right away.
Treatment Options
Most people who have primary Raynaud’s can manage the condition with lifestyle changes.
- Try to limit direct contact with frozen foods or cold drinks.
- Dress for the cold in layers and wear mittens (rather than gloves), heavy socks and hand and foot warmers – these are usually effective in dealing with mild symptoms of Raynaud’s.
- If you smoke tobacco, quitting may help improve symptoms.
- Some studies suggest that acupuncture can improve blood flow, so it may be helpful in relieving Raynaud’s attacks.
For those with secondary Raynaud’s, your doctor may prescribe medication that will help widen blood vessels and promote circulation. Severe cases of Raynaud’s may require vascular surgery or chemical injections to control your symptoms.
If stress is the cause of your Raynaud’s, focus on reducing stress through meditation, physical activity, listening to music or practicing yoga or tai chi.
If you think you may have Raynaud’s, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will diagnose primary or secondary Raynaud’s based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. If your doctor suspects that another condition, such as an autoimmune or connective tissue disease, is the cause of your Raynaud’s, he or she may order blood tests or refer you to a rheumatologist for further testing.