The condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, or simply Raynaud's, causes the fingers' tiny blood vessels to narrow or constrict. This condition usually occurs when the fingers are in a cool environment. Blood vessels in other extremities, like the nose, ears, and toes, can occasionally be impacted. In honour of Dr. Maurice Raynaud, who originally described it in 1862, it bears his name.
Symptoms of Raynaud's Phenomenon
The symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon include colour changes and possibly pain in the body's extremities, which are typically the fingers and toes. It results from emotional stress, temperature changes, or the narrowing (constriction) of the small blood vessels when exposed to the cold. The cause is unknown in the majority of cases. It could be a sign of an underlying illness like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.
Usually, cold weather is the trigger for the onset of symptoms in the fingers. The fingers initially turn cold and white. This occurs as a result of the fingers' tiny blood vessels constricting.
After that, the fingers turn blue (or, in extreme circumstances, purple or black). This occurs as a result of the blood in the constricted blood vessels rapidly using up its oxygen supply.
Then, the fingers turn a vibrant red. This occurs as a result of blood vessels dilation, or opening up, allowing blood to flow again. This could result in numbness, tingling, throbbing, and pain—which in some cases could be quite severe.
Many Raynaud's patients experience episodes of painful, pale, and cold fingers instead of the typical colour changes. Most of the time, only the fingers are impacted. In certain instances, the toes are also impacted. Other body extremities like the tongue, nipples, nose, or earlobes are less frequently impacted. Minutes to hours can pass between symptom episodes.
The symptoms of Raynaud's disease are usually mild, with sporadic, fleeting episodes lasting a few minutes. It can occasionally be moderate, with longer-lasting, more frequent episodes of symptoms. It is rarely severe and manifests as recurrent, frequent bouts that last longer than usual.
Types of Raynaud's Phenomenon
More than nine out of ten cases have an unknown cause. We refer to this as primary Raynaud's. It seems that the tiny blood vessels in the fingers, toes, and other parts of the body are more susceptible to cold temperatures than usual. No other underlying medical condition exists. Some people are more susceptible than others to trigger their symptoms. Certain individuals may experience symptoms even in mildly chilly weather or when they remove something from the freezer. In certain situations, intense emotion may also set off symptoms.
In primary Raynaud's disease, both hands' fingers are typically affected. It tends to run in certain families as well. Far more often than men, women are impacted. Typically, it appears before the age of thirty. Other than that, there are no other symptoms.
Less than one out of ten cases has an underlying cause. We refer to this as secondary Raynaud's. Secondary Raynaud's disease can result from a variety of blood vessel, joint, muscle, nerve, or skin conditions. Examples of "connective tissue" diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis.
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| Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon |
Primary Raynaud's disease cannot be verified by any test. When you undergo an examination, your doctor will diagnose you with primary Raynaud's disease if the typical symptoms (listed above) are not present and no abnormality that could indicate a secondary cause is discovered.When secondary Raynaud's is suspected, tests such as blood tests and others may be conducted.
A few instances result in complications, such as the development of ulcers on the afflicted fingers and toes, scarring at the tips of the fingers and toes, and tissue death (gangrene) in sections of the affected fingers and toes.
Treatment
If symptoms are severe, a calcium-channel blocker called nifedipine may be recommended. It functions by dilation, or "opening up," the small blood vessels. Some take nifedipine every day on a regular basis to avoid symptoms.
In the event that nifedipine is ineffective or has negative side effects, other medications may be tried. Specifically, for individuals with secondary Raynaud's due to specific conditions, a variety of medications have been tried with varying degrees of success.
Additional methods, such as relaxation and stress counselling, are also available.
Prevention
Make sure your feet and hands are warm. When you're outside in cool weather, you need warm shoes, socks, and gloves.
Don't limit your body warmth to your hands and feet; keep your entire body warm. Keeping your entire body warm reduces the likelihood of symptoms, even though your hands and feet are the most vital areas. Therefore, on chilly days, dress warmly before entering cooler spaces, such as the outdoors. Wear warm clothes and accessories like scarves and hats.
It is advisable to put on gloves while you are still warm before venturing into a colder environment. To ensure that your gloves, socks, and headgear are warm when you put them on, store them in an airing cupboard or next to a radiator.
Symptoms may worsen if you smoke. Small blood vessels may narrow as a result of the chemicals in tobacco. If you smoke, giving it up could help alleviate the issue or possibly solve it.
Sometimes symptoms are exacerbated or brought on by certain medications that are prescribed to treat other illnesses. Blood vessel narrowing could be brought on by the medication. Beta-blockers, certain anti-migraine medications, decongestants, and, very infrequently, the contraceptive pill are examples of such medications. If you think a medication is aggravating your symptoms, don't stop taking it as prescribed. See your physician to go over your options.
Try to keep an eye on your tea and coffee intake as this can bring up the symptoms due to the prsence of certain substances in these drinks.
Avoid touching things that are cold. For instance, while handling cold food or taking food out of the freezer, wear gloves or a towel.
Numerous experts advise engaging in regular exercise. To increase circulation, often work out your hands and feet.
Warm the afflicted hands or feet as soon as you notice symptoms. A good way to stay warm is to soak your hands or feet in warm running water (just watch out that the water doesn't get too hot or lose its heat and turn cool).
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