Raynaud's Phenomenon

Description

A condition where some areas of the body, usually fingers and toes, feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's, smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas (vasospasm).

Common Symptoms

• Cold fingers or toes
• Sequence of color changes in the skin in response to cold or stress (white, then blue, then red)
• Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or stress relief

Common Causes

• Can be primary (the condition itself, most common) or secondary (caused by an underlying problem like scleroderma, lupus, or smoking). The exact cause of primary Raynaud's is unknown.

Treatment Information