Raynaud’s Phenomenon

What is Raynaud’s phenomenon?

 

Raynaud’s phenomenon or simply Raynaud’s occurs when the extremities (fingers, toes, and sometimes the nose) become very pale, then bluish (cyanosed) when exposed to the cold. When the digits are returned to the warmth they can become reddish, tingling, and uncomfortable.  It can also occur if a person experiences a stressful situation.

In 90% of cases it occurs on its own.  This is called primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. More rarely it is associated with autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. This is called secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon.

 

Causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is common, and as many as 10 million people in the UK are living with the condition. Around 1 in 10 women in Scotland have Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Raynaud’s occurs because the blood vessels supplying the area are very sensitive to changes in temperature and temporarily constrict (close down) too much in the cold. Constriction of blood vessels is a normal response to the cold by the nerves in the fingers and toes to conserve heat. However, in Raynaud’s this response is exaggerated.

Emotional changes can also trigger the response.

Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is more common in young women and teenage girls. Often this can be seen to run in families.

Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon can occur at any age and can precede the associated rheumatic condition by many years.

Less commonly, Raynaud’s can occur as a side effect of medications, these are often medications to treat heart diseases.

 

Symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon

 

How do we diagnose Raynaud’s?

A diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms. Typically, white, blue and red colour changes are observed in the fingers in response to cold exposure. The doctor may order other tests if they suspect it is secondary Raynaud’s. These tests include investigations to look for other autoimmune diseases such as SLE.

In some hospitals a microscope camera can be used to look at the nailbed, this is called capillaroscopy. These can tell if there are abnormal blood vessels suggesting a secondary cause. This is not currently carried out in Edinburgh. We do have a magnifying device known as a Dermalite that can help us to see dilated capillaries.

 

Treatment

Things you can do to help:

 

Medications for Raynaud’s

These act to widen the blood vessels, so that blood flow can be increased to the fingers and/or toes. Medications have limited benefit and will not work unless you have got your clothing layering right for the conditions.

Symptoms are monitored on medications to ensure that things are improving. Should severe attacks occur with ulcers or black areas on the fingers or toes occur, these should be highlighted urgently to your doctor.

 

Useful Links

Versus Arthritis:  http://www.versusarthritis.org

NHS: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/raynauds-phenomenon/Pages/Introduction

Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK charity: https://www.sruk.co.uk/raynauds/