Raynaud syndrome

Raynaud syndrome
Other names	Raynaud's, Raynaud's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, Raynaud's syndrome
The hand of a person with Raynaud syndrome during an attack.
Pronunciation	ray-NOH
Specialty	Rheumatology
Symptoms	An affected part turning white, then blue, then red, burning
Complications	skin sores, gangrene
Usual onset	15–30 year old, typically females
Duration	Up to several hours per episode
Risk factors	Cold, emotional stress
Diagnostic method	Based on the symptoms
Differential diagnosis	Causalgia, erythromelalgia
Treatment	Avoiding cold, calcium channel blockers, iloprost
Frequency	4% of people

Raynaud phenomenon

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud Syndrome (eponymously named after the physician Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud, who first described it in his doctoral thesis in 1862) is a medical condition in which the spasm of small arteries causes episodes of reduced blood flow to end arterioles.

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A thermal image demonstrating the loss of heat in a Reynaud's sufferer

Symptoms

Typically, the fingers, and less commonly the toes, are involved. Rarely, the nose, ears, or lips are affected. The episodes classically result in the affected part turning white and then blue. Often, numbness or pain occurs. As blood flow returns, the area turns red and burns. The episodes typically last minutes, but can last several hours.

Causes

There are two types of Raynaud Syndrome:

• Primary Raynaud Syndrome: Also known as Raynaud's disease, this is the most common form and has no known cause.
• Secondary Raynaud Syndrome: Also called Raynaud's phenomenon, this form is associated with underlying conditions, such as autoimmune disorders (lupus, scleroderma), connective tissue diseases, thyroid disorders, and injuries.

Risk factors

Risk factors for Raynaud Syndrome include:

• Cold temperatures
• Emotional stress
• Smoking
• Certain medications (beta-blockers, migraine medications, cold medications)
• Occupational exposure to vibration (e.g., using vibrating tools)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Raynaud Syndrome is based on medical history, a physical examination, and the presence of characteristic symptoms. Blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions or identify an underlying cause. In some cases, a nailfold capillaroscopy may be performed to examine blood flow in the small vessels of the fingers.

Treatment

Treatment for Raynaud Syndrome focuses on preventing episodes and managing symptoms. This may include:

• Wearing warm clothing and protecting extremities from cold temperatures
• Reducing stress and practicing relaxation techniques
• Quitting smoking
• Medications, such as calcium channel blockers and vasodilators, to improve blood flow
• In severe cases, surgical interventions like sympathectomy or nerve decompression

Summary

Raynaud syndrome, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, eponymously named after the physician, Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud, who first described it in his doctoral thesis in 1862, is a medical condition in which the spasm of small arteries causes episodes of reduced blood flow to end arterioles. Typically, the fingers, and less commonly the toes, are involved. Rarely, the nose, ears, or lips are affected. The episodes classically result in the affected part turning white and then blue. Often, numbness or pain occurs. As blood flow returns, the area turns red and burns. The episodes typically last minutes, but can last several hours.

FAQS

Can you help answer any of these frequently asked questions on Raynaud syndrome?

What should be avoided in Raynaud phenomenon? Avoid exposure to cold temperatures, stress, smoking, and caffeine in Raynaud's phenomenon, as these can trigger symptoms.

What aggravates Raynaud's disease? Raynaud's disease is aggravated by cold exposure, stress, smoking, and certain medications like beta-blockers and some migraine medications.

How to improve circulation with Raynaud's? To improve circulation with Raynaud's, try regular exercise, avoiding cold temperatures, stress management, quitting smoking, and using hand and feet warmers.

What organ system does Raynaud's syndrome affect? Raynaud's syndrome affects the circulatory system, particularly the small blood vessels in the extremities like fingers and toes.

What can Raynaud's disease lead to? Raynaud's disease can lead to complications such as skin ulcers, tissue damage, and in severe cases, gangrene which might require amputation.

Can Raynaud's affect the brain? Raynaud's primarily affects the extremities, but it does not directly affect the brain. However, it can be associated with other autoimmune diseases that may have neurological manifestations.

What is new treatment for Raynaud's? New treatments for Raynaud's include medications like phosphodiesterase inhibitors, Botox injections, and in some cases, surgical intervention like sympathectomy.

What is natural for Raynaud's? Natural treatments for Raynaud's include biofeedback, acupuncture, and herbal remedies like ginkgo biloba, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Consult a healthcare professional before using these.

What exercises help Raynaud's? Exercises that help Raynaud's include aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and biking, which can improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

Does drinking water help Raynaud's? Drinking water may not directly help Raynaud's, but staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health and circulation.

What drug makes Raynaud's worse? Drugs that can make Raynaud's worse include beta-blockers, some migraine medications, and certain over-the-counter cold and allergy medications that constrict blood vessels.

What foods to avoid with Raynaud's? Foods to avoid with Raynaud's include those containing caffeine and alcohol, which can cause blood vessels to constrict.

Is heat good for Raynaud's disease? Heat can be beneficial for Raynaud's disease, as it helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the affected areas. Use warm water soaks, heating pads, or hand and feet warmers to alleviate symptoms.

Raynaud syndrome Resources
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