Your body protects your internal organs (your core) from heat loss in cold weather by redirecting your blood away from your extremities such as the fingers and toes. 

With a Raynaud’s attack, this reaction is exaggerated. Blood vessels in your extremities narrow, starving the tissues of blood and causing the characteristic blue or white colour change. 

When this happens you may experience stinging pain, tingling and numbness in your fingers or toes. When blood flow returns, the skin turns from blue to red and finally back to the normal pink colour. 

Circulation to the rest of the body is generally normal.

Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon (or Raynaud’s disease or just Raynaud’s) is the most common form of Raynaud’s phenomenon. It affects more women than men, generally under the age of 30. If you have a family member with primary Raynaud’s, you’re more at risk of developing it.

The most common causes of secondary Raynaud’s are underlying autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). 

Other common causes are:

• mechanical vibration – such as using a power tool for long periods 

• carpal tunnel syndrome

• atherosclerosis – narrowing of the arteries caused by a build-up of fatty plaques can hamper blood flow to the extremities  

• smoking – constricts blood vessels

• some medication – e.g. beta blockers, some chemotherapy agents and medication that causes blood vessels to narrow

• frostbite.

It’s not hard to diagnose Raynaud’s phenomenon, but it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between the primary or secondary form of the condition. 

Your doctor may use a range of methods to work out which form you have including:

• taking a complete medical history

• a physical examination

• blood tests

• examining fingernail tissue with a microscope.

For most people, Raynaud’s phenomenon is a nuisance rather than a disabling condition. 

Keeping your body and extremities warm is a helpful to prevent attacks. You should also dress appropriately for the cold with gloves, thick socks and warm layers.

If you’re outside and you experience an attack, go indoors and soak fingers or toes in warm (not hot) water. If a stressful situation triggers the attack, try to remove yourself from the situation and relax. 

Talk with your doctor if your Raynaud’s isn’t controlled by these simple measures. You may need to be prescribed medications that widen your blood vessels and improve circulation. 

For secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, it’s also important that the underlying condition (e.g. lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) is treated effectively. 

There’s no cure for Raynaud’s phenomenon. Managing the condition means that you need to try to avoid triggers, especially exposure to cold temperatures and stressful situations. 

Things you can do to prevent an attack:

• avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather or sudden temperature changes, such as leaving a warm house on a cold day or air conditioned rooms in hot weather.

• be aware that even holding something cold, such as a can of drink, can trigger symptoms.

• make sure your whole body is kept warm, using several layers of clothing to trap body heat. Keep your extremities warm with gloves and woollen socks. Hand warmers are also helpful. 

• don’t smoke cigarettes or drink caffeinated beverages, as nicotine and caffeine constrict blood vessels.

• review your medications with your doctor. If your medications are causing the problem you may need to find alternatives. 

• learn to recognise and avoid stressful situations. Stress and emotional distress can trigger an attack, particularly for people with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. Relaxation may decrease the number and severity of attacks you experience.

• keep a journal of when attacks happen. This will help you work out what triggers an attack.

• look after your hands and feet. Dry hands and feet can develop skin cracks, so it’s important to moisturise them to prevent dryness. Protect your hands when in water with barrier creams and/or rubber gloves.

• exercise regularly to maintain blood flow and skin condition. Physical activity can also help increase your energy levels, control your weight, improve your cardiovascular (heart) fitness and help you sleep better. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

• eat a healthy and well balanced diet for general good health.

In most cases, Raynaud’s phenomenon is harmless and has no lasting effects. However in severe cases loss of blood flow can permanently damage the tissue. 

Complications of severe Raynaud’s include:

• ulcers

• tissue

• loss

• scarring

• gangrene.

Talk with your doctor if you notice any of these problems or if you notice other changes to your symptoms. 

• Your doctor

• MOVE muscle, bone & joint health
  National Help Line: 1800 263 265
  

• Raynaud’s phenomenon is the short-term interruption of blood flow to your extremities, such as your fingers and toes

• It can occur on it’s own or as the result of another condition

• Management options include avoiding cold weather and sudden temperature changes.

Need medical information regarding your condition and commonly prescribed treatments? Or assistance navigating the health, disability and social services systems? Contact our nurses on the Help Line on 1800 263 265 or email helpline@move.org.au.

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