Do you sometimes notice an odd white, blue, or red coloration in your fingers or toes? This is a possible sign of Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome.
What Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which a vascular activity called vasospasm causes the blood vessels in the fingers to overreact to cold and stress. This can also happen to the toes, ears, lips, and nose, but it’s less common. You may have cold or tingling sensations in the same areas, too.
Experts consider Raynaud’s a blood vessel disorder and sometimes classify it as an autoimmune disease.
Raynaud’s can get misdiagnosed as poor circulation or dismissed entirely, especially in younger people. If you have Raynaud’s, your doctor should continue to evaluate persistent symptoms, especially when discoloration or pain occurs regularly.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon Symptoms and Diagnosis
Coloration of the fingers and toes is one sign of Raynaud’s. Your health care provider may also conduct a nail fold capillaroscopy test to determine whether you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s.
Using a microscope, your doctor looks for deformed capillaries in the fingernails or toenails. Their presence may indicate secondary Raynaud’s, often linked to another condition such as artery or connective tissue disease. Primary Raynaud’s has no identifiable underlying cause.
If your doctor suspects secondary Raynaud’s, they may order additional testing, such as an antinuclear antibody (ANA) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), to screen for autoimmune diseases.
Primary vs. secondary Raynaud’s
| Feature | Primary Raynaud’s | Secondary Raynaud’s |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Unknown (idiopathic) | Linked to another condition (for example, lupus or scleroderma) |
| Onset Age | Typically 15 to 30 | Often after age 40 |
| Severity | Milder, fewer complications | More severe, including the risk of tissue damage |
| Capillaroscopy | Normal capillaries | Deformed capillaries are often present |
Raynaud’s Phenomenon Risk Factors
Primary Raynaud’s mainly occurs in women and often begins between the ages of 15 and 30. The secondary form usually starts after age 40.
About one-third of people with Raynaud’s have a close relative with the condition, making it potentially hereditary. Conditions like lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of developing secondary Raynaud’s. People whose jobs expose them to vibrating tools or chemicals like vinyl chloride may also face a greater risk.
What Triggers a Raynaud’s Attack?
Cold temperatures and emotional stress can trigger Raynaud’s attacks. Other triggers include:
- Certain medications (beta-blockers, decongestants).
- Hormonal changes (especially during menopause).
- Repetitive hand motions, like typing or playing instruments.
- Smoking and caffeine.
These triggers cause blood vessels to narrow temporarily, reducing blood flow to the extremities.
Living With Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Cold temperatures, smoking, and stress aggravate Raynaud’s phenomenon. The following lifestyle changes from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) can help you reduce the number of Raynaud’s attacks — and improve your overall health.
Diet and nutrition
- Avoid caffeine, which constricts your blood vessels.
- Maintain a healthy diet to support vascular health.
Clothing and environment
- Avoid clothing or shoes that fit tightly and limit movement.
- Dress warmly and in layers when spending time outdoors in cold weather.
- Use heated gloves, glove liners with mittens, or hand warmers.
Stress reduction
- Avoid situations that cause high anxiety or emotional stress.
- Minimize stress, which can cause Raynaud’s attacks.
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
- Try biofeedback therapy, which may help improve circulation.
Other tips
- Better predict and manage attacks with wearables that monitor skin temperature or blood flow and symptom-tracking apps.
- Don’t use tools that vibrate your hands.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Talk to your health care provider about any medications you take that constrict blood vessels.
The ACR also advises paying special attention to your hands and feet. Avoid going barefoot, always wear gloves or mittens in the cold, and practice good nail care.
When to See a Doctor for Raynaud’s
Many people manage Raynaud’s with lifestyle changes. But you should call your doctor if you have:
- Fingers or toes that remain discolored for long periods.
- Persistent numbness or pain.
- Signs of infection.
- Skin ulcers on fingers or toes.
In severe cases of Raynaud’s, reduced blood flow can lead to tissue damage, infection, or even gangrene.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon Treatment
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can reduce Raynaud’s attacks and how severe they are. They can also help prevent complications. Severe cases of Raynaud’s phenomenon may require nerve-blocking injections, surgery, or rarely, amputation.
Short-term relief
When you have a Raynaud’s attack:
- Gently warm affected areas.
- Wiggle fingers and toes.
- Windmill arm movements.
- Place hands in armpits.
- Soak in warm water.
- Massage affected areas.
Long-term management
Medications
Some medications that treat Raynaud’s prevent tissue damage and reduce the number and severity of attacks. Your doctor may prescribe:
- Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) — Relax and open the small blood vessels in your hands and feet.
- Alpha-blockers — Relax and widen blood vessels.
- Vasodilators — Relax blood vessels.
Medications also treat underlying health conditions that cause secondary Raynaud’s.
Emerging treatments
Researchers are always seeking new ways to treat Raynaud’s. The latest treatments include:
- Botox® — The injections may relax the muscles in blood vessel walls and improve blood flow.
- Nitric oxide creams — May improve blood flow.
- Laser therapy — Can help heal damaged cells.
Contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute for help if you suspect Raynaud’s phenomenon. Timely care can help you manage your condition and live more comfortably.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .