| Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects the blood supply to the fingers, toes and occasionally the ears and nose. During a Raynaud’s attack, or episode, the blood vessels constrict (narrow) and the blood supply to these areas is reduced. This results in several skin color changes, which are often accompanied by a throbbing or burning sensation, cold, and numbness. The exact cause of Raynaud’s disease remains unknown. However, current research is coming closer to determining a probable cause.
While Raynaud's may occur independently of other conditions, sometimes it's a symptom of scleroderma, a rare and serious disease that involves hardening of the skin and damage to the internal organs. Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone) to treat both Raynaud's and scleroderma. But corticosteroids have many potentially troubling side effects, such as weight gain, acne and irregular heartbeat. And they sometimes make Raynaud's disease worse. It is also associated with other conditions such as Systemic Lupus erythematosus, Artherosclerosis, or Buerger disease. Raynaud phenomenon may be the first manifestation of any of these conditions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Raynaud’s Disease?
During a typical Raynaud’s attack the affected area may first become white (pallor) as the blood supply is reduced, then blue (cyanosis) as the oxygen supply to the area is depleted, followed by bright red (rubor) as the blood returns to the area (reactive hyperemia). Raynaud’s disease, by definition, involves three-color changes. However, they do not always occur in the same order for all people all of the time nor do all three changes always occur in a given attack.
What Causes A Raynaud’s Attack?
Raynaud’s episodes can be triggered by cold, either by touching cold objects or by being in a cold environment. Emotions such as stress and anxiety may also play a role. The severity of attacks will vary from episode to episode, as well as from patient to patient. Attacks typically last a few minutes.
Who Gets Raynaud’s Disease?
Raynaud’s disease occurs more frequently in women than in men. Although it can occur at any age it usually begins between the ages of 15 and 40. It is estimated that 4 - 5% of the United States population is affected.
How Is Raynaud’s Categorized?
Raynaud’s is divided into two categories.
Primary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s disease occurs when an individual has only the above mentioned color changes along with the typical symptoms of pain or numbness. There is no other medical problem, which may be causing the Raynaud’s episodes.
Secondary Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs when the Raynaud’s episodes are secondary to another medical condition. In other words, the individual with Raynaud’s has another medical condition, which is causing the attacks. Or, Raynaud’s is only one of the symptoms associated with the other disease. Although this form is less common than primary Raynaud’s, it is a more complex and serious disorder. Some examples of other underlying diseases associated with Raynaud’s are: connective tissue diseases, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vibration white finger, occlusive arterial disease, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpel tunnel syndrome.
How Is Raynaud’s Disease Diagnosed?
Primary Raynaud’s disease is diagnosed following the Allen Brown criteria:
- At least two of the three-color changes occurring during attacks which are provoked by cold and or stress.
- Episodes have been occurring periodically for at least two years.
- Attacks occurring in both hands.
- There is no other identifiable cause for the Raynaud’s episodes.
What Is The Treatment For Raynaud’s Disease?
There is no known cure for this condition, therefore, effective treatments are essential. Most cases of primary Raynaud’s can be controlled with proper medical care.
Many people are able to find relief by simply adjusting their lifestyle. For example:
- Protect yourself from the cold.
- Avoid excessive emotional stress.
- Do not use vibrating tools.
Disclaimer:- All information available here is for educational purposes only. None of these statements or products have been evaluated by FDA. We do not claim to cure , prevent or treat any disease. |
