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What is Raynaud's phenomenon? -

Raynaud's phenomenon, also known as Raynaud syndrome, is a medical condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body—typically just the fingers.

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Other extremities affected -

However, in some cases Raynaud's phenomenon also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose.

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Why does it happen? -

Raynaud's is usually triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety, or stress. Episodes occur because your blood vessels go into a temporary spasm, which blocks the flow of blood.

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Classic indicators -

This typically results in the affected part turning white and then blue. Eventually the color turns red as the blood flow returns. This can create an unpleasant burning sensation.

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Pain and discomfort -

A sufferer may also experience temporary numbness, pain, and pins and needles.

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Primary and secondary Raynaud's -

Raynaud's can occur on its own. This type is known as its primary form. Primary Raynaud's is idiopathic, that is to say spontaneous and of unknown cause, and not correlated with another disease.

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Secondary Raynaud's -

Secondary Raynaud's is diagnosed given the presence of an underlying condition. The diseases most often linked with Raynaud's are autoimmune or connective tissue diseases.

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Lupus -

These diseases include lupus, a condition in which your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Typical symptoms include inflammation that can affect the skin.

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Scleroderma -

Secondary Raynaud's is also associated with scleroderma. This group of rare diseases involves the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.

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Thromboangiitis obliterans -

Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger disease, is a recurring progressive inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of small and medium arteries and veins of the hands and feet. It's also linked with secondary Raynaud's.

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Rheumatoid arthritis -

The onset of secondary Raynaud's can be prompted by rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, usually in the hands, feet, and wrists.

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Primary Raynaud's -

Primary Raynaud's is by far the most common form of the disease. It often starts between ages 15 and 25, typically developing in young women in their teens and early adulthood and those living in cold climates.

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When does secondary Raynaud's develop? -

As well as occurring on the back of a wide variety of other conditions, secondary Raynaud's usually develops later in midlife, between ages 35 and 40.

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What causes Raynaud's phenomenon? -

While medical professionals have not identified the exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon, a number of factors can promote the condition. Some blood disorders may cause Raynaud's where extra platelets or red blood cells increase the blood thickness. Alternatively, special receptors in the blood that control the narrowing of the blood vessels may be more sensitive.

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Who is at risk for Raynaud's phenomenon? -

A number of factors increase your risk of developing Raynaud's. We've already indicated how connective tissue or autoimmune diseases can prompt the condition. Smoking is another risk factor. Interestingly, there's little or no association between smoking and Raynaud's in women, whereas in men the habit is linked with increased odds of the condition.

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Exposure to certain chemicals -

Frequent exposure to certain chemicals can promote the onset of Raynaud's. For example, a study published in The Journal of Rheumatology found that laboratory technicians working with solvents were found to have higher rates of severe Raynaud's.

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Post-traumatic Raynaud's phenomenon -

While post-traumatic Raynaud's phenomenon following non-penetrating or non-repetitive injury is rare, incidences do occur. For example, finger replantation—the reattachment and reconstruction of an amputated portion of a digit—can induce an episode.

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Repetitive vibration trauma -

More common is the damage caused after prolonged repetitive vibration trauma, typically seen in construction workers using vibrating power tools.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome -

Anyone suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition where pressure on a nerve in your wrist causes pain and numbness in your hand and fingers (typically induced by long periods using a keyboard) is at risk of developing Raynaud's.

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The female factor -

More women than men are affected by primary Raynaud's phenomenon: between 60% and 90% of cases of the condition occur in women aged 15 to 40 years, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in this form. Genes may also be involved.

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Living in a cold climate -

Living in a cold climate can promote the onset of Raynaud's. But symptoms can also be triggered by mildly cool weather, getting something out of the freezer, or even running your hands briefly under a cold tap.

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Other symptoms -

Besides the telltale discoloration of the fingers, toes, and other extremities already mentioned, symptoms of Raynaud's extend to hands that may become swollen and painful when warmed.

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Red alert! -

As previously described, another indicator is fingers turning red when the hands are warmed and blood flow returns.

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Possible complications -

Blisters and sores on the finger pads are indicative of more severe cases of Raynaud's phenomenon.

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How is Raynaud's phenomenon diagnosed? -

If you suspect Raynaud's phenomenon, a healthcare provider will ask you about your health history and undertake a physical exam. This often involves what's known as a cold challenge test, where your hands are deliberately exposed to cold under laboratory conditions.

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Tests and exams -

Other tests may include a physician looking at the tiny blood vessels in your fingernails with a microscope. Blood tests will ascertain whether your condition is primary or secondary.

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Managing Raynaud's -

Unfortunately there is no known cure for Raynaud's phenomenon. Instead, the condition is managed. Obvious preventative measures include avoiding triggers, things like cold environments.

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Keep warm -

Keeping warm with woolen gloves, thick socks, scarf, and hat is essential.

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Stop smoking -

If you're a smoker, quit! Nicotine shrinks arteries and decreases blood flow.

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Medication -

Prescribed medications can be helpful for moderate or severe disease. Taking blood pressure medicines during the winter months to help reduce blood vessel constriction can be helpful. Always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medications.

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Raynaud's awareness networks -

Raynaud's is named after Maurice Raynaud (1834–1881), the French doctor who discovered the disorder in the late 19th century. Today, a number of entities are active in promoting greater awareness of Raynaud's, including Raynaud's Association in the United States and the London-based Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK.

Sources: (NHS inform) (Mayo Clinic) (National Institutes of Health) (ScienceDirect) (National Center for Biotechnology Information) 

See also: Sensitive skin—causes, care, and when to seek help

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