It is when a person experiences low circulation in one's fingers and toes (digits) resulting in coldness and/or redness. It usually occurs in a person between the ages of 25 and 45, more so in women than men, but not uncommon. It is more prevalent in colder climates than warm.
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which cold temperatures or strong emotions cause blood vessel spasms that block blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsRaynaud's phenomenon can be associated with other conditions. This is called secondary Reynaud's phenomenon. Most people with the condition are over age 30.
Common causes are:
Raynaud's phenomenon also occurs without another disease, medication, or cause. This is called primary Raynaud's phenomenon. It is most often seen in people younger than age 30.
SymptomsStrong emotions or exposure to the cold causes the fingers, toes, ears, or nose to become white, then turn blue. When blood flow returns, the area becomes red and then later returns to normal color. The attacks may last from minutes to hours.
People with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (no other cause or condition) have problems in the same fingers on both sides, but they do not have very much pain.
People with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (associated with other medical conditions) are more likely to have pain in different fingers. They often have pain and tingling.
Signs and testsThe doctor will perform a physical exam. Vascular ultrasound and a cold stimulation test for Raynaud's phenomenon may be done.
Different blood tests may be done to diagnose arthritic and autoimmune conditions that may cause Raynaud's phenomenon.
TreatmentThe following lifestyle changes may help people with Raynaud's phenomenon:
Your health care provider may prescribe medications to relax the walls of the blood vessels. These include topical nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, sildenafil (Viagra), and ace inhibitors.
It is important to treat the condition causing Raynaud's phenomenon.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies depending on the cause and the severity of the condition.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Avoid exposure to the cold. Dress warmly when you cannot avoid cold. If you smoke, stop smoking, as it further constricts the blood vessels.
ReferencesBakst R, Merola JF, Franks AG Jr., Sanchez M, Perelman RO. Raynaud's phenomenon: pathogenesis and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:633-653.
Olin JW. Other peripheral arterial diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 80.
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which cold temperatures or strong emotions cause blood vessel spasms that block blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsRaynaud's phenomenon can be associated with other conditions. This is called secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Most people with the condition are over age 30.
Common causes are:
Raynaud's phenomenon also occurs without another disease, medication, or cause. This is called primary Raynaud's phenomenon. It most often begins in people younger than age 30.
SymptomsStrong emotions or exposure to the cold causes the fingers, toes, ears, or nose to become white, then turn blue. When blood flow returns, the area becomes red and then later returns to normal color. The attacks may last from minutes to hours.
People with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (no other cause or condition) have problems in the same fingers on both sides, but they do not have very much pain.
People with Raynaud's phenomenon associated with other medical conditions are more likely to have pain or tingling in different fingers. The pain is rarely severe. There may be ulcers on the affected fingers.
Signs and testsYour health care provider can usually make the diagnosis by examining you and asking questions about your health history. However, vascular ultrasound and a cold stimulation test for Raynaud's phenomenon may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Different blood tests may be done to diagnose arthritic and autoimmune conditions that may cause Raynaud's phenomenon.
TreatmentThe following lifestyle changes may help people with Raynaud's phenomenon:
Your health care provider may prescribe medications to relax the walls of the blood vessels. These include topical nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, sildenafil (Viagra), and ace inhibitors.
It is important to treat the condition causing Raynaud's phenomenon.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome varies depending on the cause and the severity of the condition.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if:
Avoid exposure to the cold. Dress warmly when you cannot avoid cold. If you smoke, stop smoking, as it further constricts the blood vessels.
ReferencesBakst R, Merola JF, Franks AG Jr., Sanchez M, Perelman RO. Raynaud's phenomenon: pathogenesis and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:633-653.
Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/28/2011
Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY; Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
almost always, at least according to doctors and science
Raynaud's Syndrome.
can i claim dla for raynauds
Raynauds syndrome usually occurs from about the age of 15. However I am sure there are some exceptions as i got it when i was 13. Raynauds is a heriditary incurable disease. there are two types: primary and secondary. primary is when you just have raynauds on its own. secondary, however can be a little more serious as it is caused by an underlying disease. i would recommend taking your baby to see a doctor as i would suspect it has secondary raynauds if it has raynauds at all.
Yes, Raynauds could lead to a medical discharge. Having Raynauds means you can't even apply for the Army, it's an automatic ban.
the causes of arthritis are not yet understood howRaynaud's phenomenon has been seen with a number of conditions, including rheumatic diseases scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
Raynauds Disease
NOT MEDICAL ADVICE your left foot may be asleep or you could have just put it in a bucket of cold water or it may also be a symptom of Raynard's phenomenon. this usually happens in male adults after the age of 35 (not to say it cant happen to others) http://arthritis.webmd.com/tc/raynauds-phenomenon-topic-overview
The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is not completely understood. It is known that the constriction of blood vessels in affected areas (known as vasospasm) can be brought on by exposure to cold and excessive stress, temporarily limiting blood flow. Some researchers are also studying if genetics is related to Raynaud's phenomenon.Conditions and factors which cause secondary Raynaud's phenomenon include:SclerodermaLupusRheumatoid arthritisSjogren's syndromeMixed Connective Tissue DiseaseDermatomyositisPolymyositisRepetitive stressSmokingCertain medicationsHypothyroidism
maybe Raynauds Syndrome
It can be painful, but people live to old age (70s and above) with Raynaud's disease.
Chronically cold hands or feet are indicators of this disease. You should have an anti inflammatory diet to help out with this.