Raynaud's disease is a condition where blood vessels become narrowed due to cold or stress. The decrease in blood flow causes the skin to turn white or blue. The skin will eventually turn red when the blood vessels relax. Raynaud's disease can occur in adults, children, and teens.

People suffering from Raynaud's disease often have blue or white fingers, hands, or feet. They may also develop numbness in the ears or nose. This condition is fairly common and can affect up to 10% of the population. It is most prevalent in women.

The symptoms of Raynaud's disease can be temporary or lasting for hours. They can be triggered by cold temperatures, certain medications, or emotional stress. The hands and feet are the most common areas affected, and the attacks can occur daily or even several times a day. Attacks usually begin in one finger or toe and can last for minutes or an hour or more.

Treatment for Raynaud's disease involves identifying the cause of the disease. Often, a person can reduce the frequency of attacks by making lifestyle changes. Using mittens or dressing in layers can help. Also, treating the underlying condition may improve the severity of the symptoms.

If you experience a Raynaud's attack, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases, Raynaud's can lead to tissue death and gangrene. You should also visit your doctor if you develop sores or infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Raynaud's disease include pain, numbness, pins and needles, and difficulty moving the affected area. This condition can affect the fingers, lips, and ears. These symptoms are caused by poor circulation. 

Attacks of Raynaud's disease may begin with white or blue skin. The next symptom may be numbness or a cold sensation. These symptoms may spread to other areas of the body, including the nipples and lips. They can last for minutes or even hours. If untreated, Raynaud's disease can lead to sores or infection.

The condition may be caused by an underlying medical condition. For example, smoking constricts blood vessels. Also, prior injuries to the hands or feet may cause Raynaud's. Some drugs can also increase the risk of Raynaud's disease. These include beta-blockers, estrogen, and certain drugs that cause blood vessels to narrow.

How to diagnose Raynaud´s disease?

During a medical consultation, doctors will ask you about your symptoms to determine the cause of your condition. They will also perform a physical exam. In some cases, a doctor may order additional tests to rule out other conditions. One of these tests is nailfold capillaroscopy, which involves taking a picture of the area under a microscope. This test can help to differentiate between primary and secondary Raynaud's. Additionally, the doctor will check for elevated levels of antinuclear antibodies, which are common in connective tissue diseases.

Raynaud's attacks typically affect a finger or toe, but other areas may be affected at different times. In severe cases, these attacks may lead to skin sores and gangrene, which are the death of body tissue. A GP may also prescribe a medicine to help with the circulation in the affected areas. One of the most common medicines used for this condition is nifedipine, which is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Some people use this medication daily to help prevent Raynaud's during cold weather.

The most effective treatment for Raynaud's involves treating the underlying condition. While the condition has no cure, it is possible to control symptoms by wearing protective gloves, wearing thick socks, and wearing hand warmers. To help prevent Raynaud's attacks, patients should try to avoid any activities or triggers that aggravate the condition. Patients should also try soaking their hands in warm water as soon as the symptoms start.

Although many people self-diagnose this condition, it's best to see a physician to ensure the right diagnosis. A doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may perform blood tests. In some cases, a doctor may recommend medication to dilate blood vessels or perform a tissue examination under a microscope to assess the underlying illness.

Treatment

There is no known cure for Raynaud's disease, but there are a number of treatment options available. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. 

Treatment for Raynaud's disease includes lifestyle changes and medication. These changes are meant to improve circulation, reduce stress, and improve your overall health. Exercise is one way to promote circulation, and it helps manage stress. Another way to manage symptoms is to keep yourself warm at all times. Keeping warm is a must for Raynaud's patients. It will help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of permanent damage.

Some common treatments include topical nitroglycerin ointments, which improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. Other treatments use vasodilators to dilate veins. However, some medications and treatments may exacerbate the condition. In some cases, a surgeon may perform a sympathectomy to split the nerves that stimulate blood vessels. In other cases, the doctor may inject a chemical into the affected area to block the nerves.

While the symptoms can be controlled with lifestyle changes, repeated attacks can lead to skin sores and gangrene. If not treated, the symptoms can worsen, causing the patient to have a permanent scar.

Raynaud´s disease and hyperhidrosis

Some people may mistake excessive foot sweating for Raynaud's syndrome. A lot of patients who suffer from excessive hand and foot sweating (palmar and plantar) are mistakenly diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome. Patients with palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis may have clammy and discolored fingers or toes because of their hyperhidrosis.

This is not because they suffer from Raynaud’s disease. This condition is caused by the narrowing of the blood vessels in the skin. In addition, individuals may experience tingling, numbness, or pain in their fingertips.

 If you are experiencing an excess of sweat and moisture in your hands and feet, it is recommended that you use products indicated to treat these symptoms. The first thing your doctor will recommend is to use antiperspirants to help with the production of excessive sweat.