[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/raynauds-phenomenon\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/raynauds-phenomenon\/","headline":"Living With Raynaud’s Phenomenon","name":"Living With Raynaud’s Phenomenon","description":"Raynaud's phenomenon is an autoimmune disease that causes white, blue or red coloration in your fingers or toes. Discover the symptoms and treatment.","datePublished":"2016-03-02","dateModified":"2025-08-06","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","name":"Heart and Vascular Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/heart-vascular","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/heart-and-vascular-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/GettyImages-1389979246-e1754489435495.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/GettyImages-1389979246-e1754489435495.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/raynauds-phenomenon\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Heart and Vascular Health"],"wordCount":922,"keywords":["American College of Rheumatology","autoimmune disorder","Raynaud","Vascular disease"],"articleBody":"Do you sometimes notice an odd white, blue, or red coloration in your fingers or toes? This is a possible sign of Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud\u2019s syndrome.What Is Raynaud\u2019s Phenomenon?Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which a vascular activity called\u00a0vasospasm\u00a0causes 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\u2019s a blood vessel disorder and sometimes classify it as an autoimmune disease.Raynaud\u2019s 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\u2019s Phenomenon Symptoms and DiagnosisColoration of the fingers and toes is one sign of Raynaud\u2019s. 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\u2019s, often linked to another condition such as artery or connective tissue disease. Primary Raynaud\u2019s has no identifiable underlying cause.If your doctor suspects secondary Raynaud\u2019s, 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\u2019sFeaturePrimary Raynaud\u2019sSecondary Raynaud\u2019sCauseUnknown (idiopathic)Linked to another condition (for example, lupus or scleroderma)Onset AgeTypically 15 to 30Often after age 40SeverityMilder, fewer complicationsMore severe, including the risk of tissue damageCapillaroscopyNormal capillariesDeformed capillaries are often presentRaynaud\u2019s Phenomenon Risk FactorsPrimary Raynaud\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s. People whose jobs expose them to vibrating tools or chemicals like vinyl chloride may also face a greater risk.What Triggers a Raynaud\u2019s Attack?Cold temperatures and emotional stress can trigger Raynaud\u2019s 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\u2019s PhenomenonCold temperatures, smoking, and stress aggravate Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon. The following lifestyle changes from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) can help you reduce the number of Raynaud’s attacks \u2014 and improve your overall health.Diet and nutritionAvoid caffeine, which constricts your blood vessels.Maintain a healthy diet to support vascular health.Clothing and environmentAvoid 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 reductionAvoid situations that cause high anxiety or emotional stress.Minimize stress, which can cause Raynaud\u2019s attacks.Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.Try biofeedback therapy, which may help improve circulation.Other tipsBetter predict and manage attacks with wearables that monitor skin temperature or blood flow and symptom-tracking apps.Don\u2019t 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\u00a0barefoot, always wear gloves or mittens in the cold, and practice good nail care.When to See a Doctor for Raynaud\u2019sMany people manage Raynaud\u2019s 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\u2019s Phenomenon TreatmentEarly 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 reliefWhen 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 managementMedicationsSome medications that treat Raynaud’s prevent tissue damage and reduce the number and severity of attacks. Your doctor may prescribe:Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) \u2014 Relax and open the small blood vessels in your hands and feet.Alpha-blockers \u2014 Relax and widen blood vessels.Vasodilators \u2014 Relax blood vessels.Medications also treat underlying health conditions that cause secondary Raynaud\u2019s.Emerging treatmentsResearchers are always seeking new ways to treat Raynaud’s. The latest treatments include:Botox\u00ae \u2014 The injections may relax the muscles in blood vessel walls and improve blood flow.Nitric oxide creams \u2014 May improve blood flow.Laser therapy \u2014 Can help heal damaged cells.Contact the\u00a0UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute\u00a0for 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 March 2, 2016, and was last reviewed on August 6, 2025."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Living With Raynaud’s Phenomenon","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/03\/raynauds-phenomenon\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]