In cold temperatures, your body protects the internal organs by rerouting deoxygenated blood from the ends, such as the toes and fingers. This reaction is amplified due to Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Circulation arteries in the extremities become constricted, depriving the cells of blood and generating the distinctive blue or white discoloration. When this occurs, your fingers or toes may feel stinging pain, tingling.
When blood flow gets back, the skin’s colour changes from blue to red and then to its normal colour. In general, circulation to the remainder of the body remains unaffected.
Since blood circulation to your extremities decreases, Raynaud’s phenomenon is a disorder which causes discomfort. Fingers as well as toes are typically afflicted, however other body parts such as the nose, lips, and ears can also be impacted. It can occur while exposed to frigid temperatures or when experiencing emotional stress.
Raynaud’s phenomenon may occur independently (primary Raynaud’s phenomenon) or in conjunction with another disease or illness (secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon). It might last ranging from minutes to a few hours.
Typically, Raynaud’s phenomenon doesn’t really cause chronic damage. Nevertheless, it could be a sign of a severe underlying medical condition, therefore it’s crucial to consult a physician if you encounter it.
What does Raynaud’s phenomenon mean?
Raynaud’s phenomenon, often known as Raynaud’s illness or Raynaud’s syndrome, impacts arteries in the toes and fingers. Additionally, blood arteries in the nasal, mouth, and earlobes may be impacted. The arteries in the fingertips and toes stiffen in induced by temperature extremes, chemical exposure and even with happiness.
In Raynaud’s disease, the skin turns white or purplish and feels cold or numb. Raynaud’s phenomenon could develop independently or in conjunction with another medical issue.it can occur in two ways:
- Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, often known as Raynaud’s disease, is the more prevalent and weaker in its forms. A person with primary Raynaud’s syndrome does not have any additional diseases or medical conditions that may produce Raynaud’s symptoms. majority of this diseases are identified in females. Rarely those who are in earlier form of Raynaud’s develop concomitant disorders like lupus or scleroderma.
- Despite being less prevalent than the original variety, secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is frequently a more severe condition. The underlying cause of secondary Raynaud’s is a pre existing ailment. It is particularly prevalent in individuals with joint group of blood cells illnesses. Rarely in such disorders, there is restricted blood distribution to the extremities by prompting the artery lining to harden and the blood capillaries are restricted excessively. this is seen mostly in scleroderma patients and about 1/3rd of patients (lupus).
Other potential secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon causes include:
- Vasospasm caused by vibrating equipment or frequent palm hammering can be traumatic
- Restricted vascular syndrome
- Certain medications, specific chemotherapeutic agents, and some which produce vasoconstriction, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Thyroid diseases
Primary Raynaud phenomenon is roughly twice as probable as secondary Raynaud phenomenon. It typically begins before the age of 25 and is 5 times more prevalent in females than in males. People regularly recall childhood cold sensitivity.
Individuals with secondary Raynaud phenomenon frequently display symptoms of an underlying disease or are taking medications that can produce Raynaud phenomenon as an adverse reactions.
What are the root causes for Raynaud’s phenomenon?
A Raynaud’s attack is typically precipitated by vulnerability to chilling climate and even psychological stress. Normally, when an individual is vulnerable to cold, their body responds by slowing the rate of heat loss.
The body accomplishes this by inducing the capillaries that regulate blood circulation to the skin’s surface to transport blood from top arteries to deeper veins. The parturitions of the tiny blood arteries that feed to the toes and fingers exacerbate this typical response of the body in individuals with Raynaud’s disease.
In certain instances, this leads the arteries in the toes and fingers to tighten or collapse. Blood supply to the damaged parts of the body is drastically reduced, causing skin discolouration.
What are the signals that you have Raynaud’s phenomenon?
A patient with this phenomena can undergo three stages of skin colour changes: fair, bluish, and ruby. There is no specific pattern in the alterations in skin colour, and not everyone goes through all three stages.it can even indicate other skin conditions namely scabies, boils or hives.
- In consequence to the failure of the capillaries in an injured bodily part, whiteness may ensue.
- Cyanosis (blueness) occurs when the fingertips or toes do not receive sufficiently rich in oxygen blood. Further signs of cyanosis include a sense of coldness and numbness.
- As blood flows to the damaged areas, rubor (redness) develops. Fingers and toes may experience throbbing and tingling following an assault. Raynaud’s Phenomenon attacks can last up to hours.
How can your doctor confirm that you are suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon?
In case , your physician thinks Raynaud’s phenomenon, they will extensively analyse the clinical records and conduct a detailed physical assessment to check any health concerns. In many cases, this can be very easy to be addressed as Raynaud’s, but much more hard to detect the nature of the condition.
One should consult a physician for the reasons listed:
Although normal in its most common form, Raynaud’s phenomenon can be painful, and therapy might alleviate symptoms. The onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon just after age of twenty – five in the absence of childhood cold sensitivity
Early diagnosis of disorder that is associated with secondary Raynaud syndrome is essential. Additionally, serological blood tests could predict the likelihood of acquiring a collagenous disorder in the future. A comprehensive check up, particularly capillaroscopy of the nail fold, should be performed to determine whether the symptoms are related to primary or secondary Raynaud phenomenon.
Investigations may involve blood tests, X-rays, and other imaging techniques.
What conditions increases the possibility of Raynaud’s phenomenon?
The following are possible causes for both forms of Raynaud’s syndrome:
- Female sexual identity
- Ages of conceiving
- Arctic weather
- a background of the disease in the family
- Cigarettes
Included among the underlying causes of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon are:
Connective Tissue/Autoimmune Diseases
- Scleroderma
- Heterogeneous connective tissue disorder
- Dermatomyositis
- Polymyositis
- Erythematous lupus systemicus (lupus or SLE)
- Joint inflammation disease
Other Medical Disorders
- Thyroid issues
- Respiratory edema
- The conditions of fibromyalgia and sleep disorder
Injuries/Trauma
- Hand and foot injuries and operations
- An account of hypothermia
- Repetitive occupational exposures, particularly to buzzing simple tools like sledgehammers
- Other repetitive hand occupations, such as piano playing or keyboarding
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Medications
- Beta-blockers
- Certain chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, vinblastine, bleomycin)
- Some migraine treatments
- A number of non-prescription cold and allergic remedies
- ADHD medications
- Medications involving estrogens
- dangerous drug
What treatments are available for controlling the effects of Raynaud’s phenomenon?
The objectives of therapy are to lessen the intensity and avoid tissue injury and amputation of the hands and feet. For individuals, with Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, physicians may give medication; nevertheless, non-drug therapies are typically prescribed.
Many non-drug remedies, as mentioned here, might lessen the intensity of Raynaud’s attacks and improve general health.
Be cautious
By adopting the necessary precautions, the duration and intensity of the event can be diminished. The initial and most essential step involves keeping yourself warm in extreme areas of the body. In cold weather, it is prudent to stay indoors. Also helpful is pouring the water in affected areas . In addition to practising brain calming techniques will help to control the episodes.
Keep yourself moist
It would be necessary to keep your feet and hands warm, it is however advantageous to keep the rest of your body warm. In chilly weather, pay special attention to your attire .It is recommended to wear layer upon layer of baggy clothing, stockings, caps, and mitts. Because so much bodily heat is released by the head, hats are especially significant.
Keep your hands and feet warm and dry. mini sized heating sachets that may be inserted in shoes or boots, can be of great help for extended outdoor excursions. Other proposals include:
- Avoid contact with cold metals.
- Do not place your hands in ice water or hold chilled beverages.
- Avoid as much as possible AC spaces and frozen food divisions of supermarkets.
Perform proper skin care
Apply a generous amount of moisturiser or lotions to prevent skin dryness and cracking, particularly after hand wash
Quit smoking
Harmful substances in cigarettes produces a decrease in skin temperature, which may result in an adverse conditions.
Anxiety management
Because burdens can trigger an incidence, especially in those with primary Raynaud’s , practicing how to detect and block tough circumstances may help reduce the frequency of attacks Numerous individuals have discovered that relaxation techniques can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. Many physicians advise people with Raynaud’s phenomenon to engage in regular physical activity.
Most people have found that exercise improves their general health, boosts their energy, aids in weight control, and promotes peaceful sleep. Prior exercising outside in cold weather, patients with Secondary Raynaud’s should consult a physician. Constantly consult your physician before beginning an exercise programme.
See a doctor
Always consult a physician if an attack causes sores or blisters on the toes and fingers.
Pharmaceuticals
Numerous physicians believe that calcium- channel inhibitors, that ease and widen small blood arteries, are the most effective and proven medications. these medications decrease the occurrence and severity of attacks. These medications can also aid in the treatment of finger and toe ulcers.
Particular medical measures
The identification of any underlying condition or disease propensity may lead to individualised treatment. If appropriate, vasoconstricting drugs should be stopped.
Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine or diltiazem, are the first-line treatment for primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. Verapamil seems to be unsuccessful. The calcium channel blockers increase blood flow to the extremities by dilatation of tiny blood capillaries. If needed, the dosage can be progressively increased. It is essential to check hypertension.
An IV administration of prostanoid may be used to treat a very severe illness that is causing ulceration or disintegration of the fingertip. This necessitates a few days of hospitalisation.
Surgical measures
Very few individuals with serious and intractable Raynaud’s syndrome may need a sympathectomy. This includes severing the nerves responsible for constriction of the peripheral blood arteries. The treatment has the potential for complications and a poor success rate, thus it should only be performed if all other options have continued to fail.
What are the preventive measures to follow ?
There really is no treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome. The illness must be managed by avoiding identified triggers, specifically contact to freezing climates and stress. Among the measures you can take to avoid an assault are:
- Prevent extended exposure to cooler temperatures and unexpected changes in temperature, such as exiting a warm house on a chilly day or entering a room with air conditioning on a hot day.
- Ensure that your entire body remains warm by utilising multiple layers of clothes to capture body heat. Warm both hands and feet with woollen wraps and socks. It may be beneficial to speak with a healthcare professional about strategies to perform daily duties while safeguarding your hands and feet.
- Even holding a chilly object, such as a single serving soda, might elicit symptoms.
- The nicotine and caffeine in cigarettes and caffeinated beverages restrict blood arteries.
- Discuss your meds with your physician. You may need to seek out alternatives to drugs that trigger Raynaud’s attacks.
- Learn to recognise stressful situations and avoid them. Particularly for those with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, stress and mental discomfort might cause an attack.
- Meditation may minimise the number and intensity of attacks you encounter.
- Keep a diary tracking the occurrence of episodes.
- The causes of these occurrences may become apparent.
- Take care of your feet and hands . It is necessary to moisturise the hands and feet to avoid skin cracking caused by dehydration. Use protective creams or latex gloves to protect your arms when swimming.
- Regular exercise maintains blood circulation and skin health. Regular exercise can also improve mood, help you maintain a healthy weight, enhance your cardiovascular fitness, and improve your quality of sleep. Consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen.
- Consume a nutritious and well proportioned diet for general good health.
Sirisha B