Vascular/Rheumatic

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes some areas of the body — such as fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow, limiting blood flow to affected areas. It can be primary (Raynaud's disease) or secondary to another condition.

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Symptoms

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Causes

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Treatments

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Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Raynaud's Phenomenon. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Cold fingers or toes
  • Color changes in skin (white, blue, red) in response to cold or stress
  • Numbness, prickling, or stinging pain when warming up or stress relief

Causes

  • Unknown for primary Raynaud's
  • Secondary causes: scleroderma, lupus, RA, arterial diseases, medications, repetitive trauma

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Nailfold capillaroscopy
  • Blood tests (ANA, ESR)
  • Cold stimulation test

Treatment

  • Keep warm
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Alpha blockers
  • Vasodilators
  • Chemical nerve blocks
  • Surgery (sympathectomy) in severe cases

Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • Cold climates
  • Family history
  • Occupation (vibrating tools)
  • Certain medications

Prevention

  • Keep hands and feet warm
  • Reduce stress
  • Don't smoke
  • Avoid vasoconstricting drugs

Prevalence

Affects approximately 3–5% of the general population; up to 10% in colder climates.

Related Conditions

Vascular

Raynaud's Disease (Primary Raynaud's)

Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's phenomenon) refers to episodes of reduced blood flow to the fingers (and sometimes toes, ears, nose, and lips) triggered by cold or emotional stress. Unlike secondary Raynaud's (which is associated with another disease), primary Raynaud's occurs without an underlying condition. It is generally less severe than secondary forms.

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