$Unique_ID{BRK00054} $Pretitle{} $Title{What is Raynaud's Phenomenon?} $Subject{Raynaud's cold circulation Circulatory System Raynaud Phenomenon fingers blue cold emotional stress arteries arterioles finger vasospasm arthritis systemic lupus erythematosus scleroderma connective tissues tissue blood vessels vessel skin tendon tendons joint joints arteries} $Volume{G-4} $Log{ Osteoarthritis*0001702.scf Rheumatoid Arthritis*0001703.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. What is Raynaud's Phenomenon? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My sister has a strange problem in which her fingers sometimes turn blue. She says its called Raynaud's Phenomenon. She's gone to a doctor, who has prescribed medication, but she doesn't seem to do anything else to help stop these weird attacks. I know her doctor told her that to a large extent she can help herself prevent some of the attacks. What can I encourage her to do and not to do? Could you please explain what Raynaud's Phenomenon is? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Raynaud's Phenomenon is usually brought on by exposure to cold or emotional stress. The typical patient is female, between the ages of 15 and 50 years old. An attack usually begins with one finger becoming very cold and sensitive. It may progress to the entire hand and even the other hand. At first the involved fingers may turn red, then blue. This results from an abnormal narrowing of the arteries and arterioles in the fingers. As a response to the cold stimulus, they are undergoing "vasospasm ", contracting in a manner which diminishes the normal blood flow to the tissue. Raynaud's Disease may be differentiated from secondary Raynaud Phenomenon by affecting both sides of the body, being symptomatic for two years without becoming worse, and showing no evidences of underlying causes. Raynaud Phenomenon is often associated with other problems, so it is imperative that the patient get a thorough examination. Smoking may contribute to the symptoms, as may certain drugs or chemicals to which the patient has been exposed. Diseases such as arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma may be associated with this problem. In fact, any problem that affects the body's connective tissues, blood vessels, skin, tendons, joints and other tissue may lead to a greater incidence of Raynaud's Phenomenon. In addition to medication, there are a lot of precautions your sister can take to limit her Raynaud's attacks. If she is a smoker, she must quit. Smoking is a contributing factor in this problem because it tends to narrow blood vessels. In her case, she is already suffering from an abnormal and exaggerated response to stimulation which narrows blood vessels, and to continue the habit is to ask for the problems and complications that far outweigh any possible satisfaction gained from smoking. Raynaud's patients should avoid drugs that cause blood vessels to narrow. Included on this list are birth control pills, some heart, blood, and migraine headache drugs. Above all, Raynaud's patients should keep warm. Extra precautions include keeping all rooms in their homes warm at all times, using electric or thermal blankets or a heated water bed. Whenever removing food from a freezer, use potholders or hand mitts. Wash dishes and vegetables in tepid or warm water. Wear gloves or mittens even on short trips out of doors, such as going to the mailbox. The best way to always remember the gloves is to have an extra pair near the door. When going out in cold weather, wear layered clothing. In addition to keeping the hands covered, make sure the wrists are covered and kept warm. And when taking walks, stay on the sunny side of the street. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.