Do you notice sometimes a white color, blue, red or odd in your fingers or toes? It might be a sign of Raynaud's phenomenon.
What is Raynaud's phenomenon?
What causes Raynaud's is unknown, but the process is well understood. Vascular activity called vasospasm causes the blood vessels in the fingers and less frequently toes, ears, lips and nose to overreact when exposed to cold and stress. You may also experience feelings of cold or tingling in the same areas.
Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms and diagnosis
Staining of the fingers and toes is a sign of Raynaud. To determine if you have primary or secondary Raynaud's, your health care provider may perform a test capillaroscopy nail fold.
Using a microscope, he or she seeks capillary distorted in the toenails. Their presence may indicate primary Raynaud's and the doctor may order blood tests to be sure.
secondary Raynaud's is diagnosed if some other health condition artery disease or connective tissue, for example, causes the phenomenon. The primary form has no other source.
Factors risk Raynaud Phenomenon
occurring with predominance in women, the primary Raynaud's phenomenon occurs between the ages of 15 to 30. The secondary form of Raynaud's usually begins after 40 years.
one third of people with the disease have a close relationship with Raynaud. Lupus and other diseases increase the risk of developing it. Workers who regularly traumatize their hands operating machinery or who are exposed to these chemicals as vinyl chloride are also at risk.
Living with Raynaud's phenomenon
The cold temperatures, smoking, and stress aggravates Raynaud's phenomenon. You can help reduce the number of attacks and improve your overall health by following these tips from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
- Avoid caffeine because it constricts blood vessels
- When going outside in cold weather , be sure to dress warmly
- stress can cause Raynaud's attacks, so try to minimize
- Don 't use tools which vibrate your hands
- Talk -in your health care provider about any medications you are taking that constricts blood vessels
the CAB also advises those who Raynaud to pay special attention to their hands and feet. This means having adjusted proper footwear, avoid injury, and did not wear anything that constricts blood vessels. Avoid walking barefoot, always wear gloves (mittens are best) in the cold, and practice good nail care.
Raynaud's phenomenon Treatment
To relieve an acute attack of Raynaud's phenomenon, the CAB recommends "the first and foremost action" in areas affected gently warm. In an acute outbreak:
- Wiggle your fingers and toes
- Do windmill movements with your arms
- Warm your hands under your armpits
- Immerse your hands and feet in warm water
- massage the affected areas
Some drugs used for the treatment to avoid tissue damage and reduce the number and severity of attacks. The drugs also treat the underlying health conditions that cause secondary Raynaud. Nerve-blocking injections, surgery and even amputation may provide the only relief for those who face the most severe forms of the disease.
If you think Raynaud's phenomenon, contact UPMC heart Vascular Institute to find help.
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