Raynaud syndrome Mate a Raynaud

Raynaud syndrome is when blood vessels narrow in response to cold or stress, so less blood gets to your fingers and toes or another part of your body. This causes your skin to change colour. 

It is not known exactly what causes Raynaud syndrome but it mainly affects:

• women
• people under age 30, often starting in the teenage years
• people who have a family history of Raynaud syndrome.

Raynaud syndrome is not usually linked with any other health conditions.

Sometimes, there are other reasons it might happen. This is called secondary Raynaud syndrome. For example, it could be caused by:

• a connective tissue condition such as lupus
• medicines such as beta blockers
• some migraine medicines
• conditions that affect nerves
• conditions that increase the thickness of the blood — this reduces blood flow to the small blood vessels of the fingers and toes
• the use of vibrating equipment such as jack hammers.

If you have Raynaud syndrome, when you are cold, part of your body may:

• turn white, blue or become paler — this may last for minutes or hours
• be painful
• have pins and needles
• have difficulty moving (your fingers and toes)
• feel cold or numb.

As you warm up again, the area may become bright red and swell.

Once you are fully warmed up:

• your usual feeling and colour will return
• swelling will go down.

.Raynaud's syndrome most often affects your fingers and toes but it can also affect:

• your earlobes
• the tip of your nose
• your nipples.

There are no specific tests for Raynaud syndrome. Your healthcare provider can diagnose it from your symptoms. If you can, take photos of your skin changes when an attack happens to show them.

If your healthcare provider is unsure whether you have primary or secondary Raynaud syndrome, they may arrange for you to have a blood test or other tests.  

Raynaud syndrome is a treatable condition. For most people, keeping warm is enough to manage it. Sometimes the condition may improve or go away on its own. 

To manage your Raynaud syndrome you can:

• avoid cold weather if possible
• wear gloves, thick socks and slippers in cold weather
• make sure your home is well insulated to keep you warm
• talk to your healthcare provider about whether there is a medication that could help increase the circulation to your fingers and toes
• stop smoking if you smoke – smoking makes your blood vessels constrict more, which can make Raynaud syndrome worse.
• work on ways to manage stress — stress and strong emotions can trigger a flare up.

There are ways you can treat your symptoms.

• If your hands are affected, place them under your armpits or swing your arms around during an attack. This may help restore the circulation to your fingers.
• Massage the affected area.
• Run warm water over the affected area.

See your healthcare provider if you would like to discuss options on how to best manage your Raynaud syndrome.

Find more detailed information on the causes, symptoms and treatment for Raynaud syndrome on the Cleveland Clinic website.

Raynaud syndrome — Cleveland Clinicexternal link