Raynaud's disease causes
What is Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud’s disease is a rare condition that affects the arteries. The disorder involves brief episodes of vasospasm, a narrowing of blood flow to the fingers and toes. Symptoms include a numb sensation in response to cold temperatures or stress.

What Causes Raynaud’s Disease?

In Raynaud’s disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin become narrow. Usually, little or no blood flows to affected body parts.

What are the Symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease?

The skin turns white or blue for a short time. As blood flow returns, the affected areas may turn red and throb, tingle, burn, or feel numb.

What Are the Causes of Raynaud’s Disease?

  • Conditions that damage the arteries or nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet.
  • Repetitive actions that damage the nerves controlling the arteries in the hands and feet.
  • Injuries to the hands and feet.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals.
  • Medicines that narrow the arteries or affect blood pressure.
  • Mild or brief changes in temperature.
  • Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud’s disease.

Is There Treatment for Raynaud’s Disease?

Most people who have primary Raynaud’s can manage the condition with lifestyle changes. Those who have more severe Raynaud’s may need medicine and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes can help you avoid things that may trigger a Raynaud’s attack. Examples of such triggers include cold temperatures, emotional stress, workplace or recreational factors, and contact with certain chemicals or medicines.

Protect Yourself From Cold Temperatures: Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves), scarf, coat with snug cuffs, and warm socks and shoes during cold weather. Put hand and foot warmers in your gloves, boots, socks, or pockets. Avoid Other Stress Triggers Try to avoid things that make you upset or stressed. Learn ways to handle the stress that you can’t avoid. Physical activity helps some people cope with stress. Other people listen to music or practice yoga.

Avoid Workplace and Recreational Triggers: For example, limit the use of vibrating tools, such as drills. Wear proper protective gear if you work with industrial chemicals. Also, try to limit repetitive hand actions, such as typing or playing the piano.

Medicines that can Trigger Raynaud’s:

  • Migraine headache medicines that contain ergotamine. This substance causes your arteries to narrow.
  • Certain cancer medicines, such as cisplatin and vinblastine.
  • Over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines or diet aids. Some of these medicines can narrow your arteries.
  • Beta-blockers slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
  • Birth control pills can affect blood flow.

Medication for Raynaud’s

If lifestyle changes don’t control Raynaud’s, you may need medicines to improve blood flow. Some include calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and skin creams.

 

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