What is Raynaud’s disease, and what are the common causes, symptoms and treatments associated with this common condition?

6 minute read

Raynaud’s is a common condition that affects around 20% of the population worldwide and up to 10 million people in the UK. It occurs when the blood supply to certain parts of the body is restricted and usually affects the fingers and toes. Raynaud’s can also affect other parts of the body, such as the ears, nose, nipples, and lips.

People with Raynaud’s experience symptoms during a vasospastic attack, usually in response to cold temperatures, emotional upset, or stress. During a Raynaud’s attack, the small blood vessels tighten more than they should. This causes the skin in the affected area to turn white and then blue as your blood oxygen level reduces. The area may also feel cold or numb.

As your blood vessels relax and open, your skin may appear red or feel tingly. An attack usually lasts around 15 minutes but can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Types of Raynaud’s

There are two types of Raynaud’s, primary Raynaud’s, and secondary Raynaud’s:

Primary Reynaud’s (Raynaud’s disease)

This is the most common type of Raynaud’s and has no known cause. It most commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 25. Primary Raynaud’s is less severe than secondary Raynaud’s, and people with primary Raynaud’s do not usually develop a related condition.

Secondary Raynaud’s (Raynaud’s phenomenon)

Secondary Raynaud’s is linked to another health condition, usually an autoimmune or connective tissue disorder. Secondary Raynaud’s may be due to diseases such as:

• Lupus

• Sjögren’s syndrome

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Scleroderma

• Thyroid disorders

• Buerger disease

• Atherosclerosis

• Polymyositis

• Cryoglobulinemia

• Pulmonary hypertension

Is Raynaud’s disease a serious threat to health?

Raynaud’s isn’t usually a serious threat to your health, but it can be painful and may make it difficult to move your fingers and hands. Secondary Raynaud’s disease can severely restrict your blood supply, and in rare cases, may cause complications such as ulcers, scarring and even tissue death (gangrene).

What causes Raynaud’s disease?

The cause of primary Raynaud’s is unknown. Secondary Raynaud’s may occur as a result of increased blood thickness due to an excess of platelets or red blood cells. Another possible cause is that receptors in the blood responsible for narrowing the blood vessels may be more sensitive.

What are the risk factors for Raynaud’s disease?

Some risk factors for developing primary Raynaud’s disease include:

• Sex - Raynaud’s is more common in women than men.

• Age - the condition usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 25.

• Family history - you have a higher risk of developing Raynaud’s if you have a family member with the disease.

Some risk factors for developing secondary Raynaud’s disease include:

• Certain medical conditions such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome

• Medications - some medicines used to treat migraines, high blood pressure, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may trigger Raynaud’s symptoms or make Raynaud’s symptoms worse.

• Environmental factors - such as repeated use of vibrating machinery, or exposure to cold or certain chemicals.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease?

Symptoms of Raynaud’s come and go, and typically last around 15 minutes. Attacks are commonly triggered by cold weather, emotional upset, or anxiety. Symptoms are usually mild in people with primary Raynaud’s, but people with secondary Raynaud’s may experience more severe symptoms.

Symptoms of Raynaud’s may include:

• Changes in your skin colour. Your skin colour may change from white to blue as your blood circulation decreases and then turn red as the blood supply returns.

• Pins and needles.

• The affected area may feel cold or numb.

• Warmth, tingling or throbbing as the blood supply returns.

• Skin ulcers and gangrene. Secondary Raynaud’s can cause longer or more frequent attacks that may result in painful sores. Rarely, lack of oxygen to your tissues may lead to tissue death (gangrene).

When should I see a doctor?

Though not usually dangerous, the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease can be unpleasant and may affect your quality of life. Sometimes, symptoms of Raynaud’s can be caused by another health condition that may need treatment.

Make an appointment to see your GP if:

• Your symptoms are severe or getting worse

• Your symptoms are affecting your daily life

• You are over 30 years old and experience symptoms of Raynaud’s for the first time

• Your child is under 12 years old and has symptoms of Raynaud’s

• You have symptoms on one side of your body

• Your symptoms are accompanied by a skin rash, joint pain, or muscle weakness

How is Raynaud’s disease diagnosed?

Raynaud’s is usually diagnosed using a combination of your symptoms, a physical examination, and the results of some tests. Once a diagnosis is made, further tests may be needed to determine whether you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s.

Secondary Raynaud’s may be suspected if:

• Your symptoms started when you were over 30 years of age

• You have severe pain during a Raynaud’s attack

• You experience symptoms only on one side of your body

What tests are used to diagnose Raynaud’s?

• Exposure to cold - your GP may check for symptoms of Raynaud’s by exposing your hands to cold such as cold water or air.

• Nailfold capillaroscopy - this test examines your capillaries (tiny blood vessels) where your nail meets your finger, using a microscope or special camera. Nailfold capillaroscopy may be used to determine whether you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s as the capillaries are often larger than normal in people with secondary Raynaud’s and may resemble red pen marks.

• Blood tests - to check for other health conditions that could be causing your symptoms. These may include:

  • Full blood count (FBC) — to check for infection and some blood disorders

  • Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) — to check for autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma and lupus

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) — to check for autoimmune disease

How to treat Raynaud’s disease

Treatment for Raynaud’s is usually with lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

Lifestyle changes

Mild Raynaud’s can often be treated with lifestyle changes. Some things you can do yourself to help with symptoms of Raynaud’s include:

• Avoid exposure to cold by keeping your home warm and wearing warm clothes during cold weather, especially on your hands and feet.

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

• Take regular exercise to help improve your circulation.

• Reduce anxiety by practicing relaxation techniques, breathing exercises or yoga.

• During an attack of Raynaud’s you can try rewarming your body by moving your fingers and toes, placing your hands under your armpits, massaging your hands and feet, and running your hands and feet under warm (not hot) water.

Medication

If your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not improving with lifestyle changes, your GP may prescribe medication such as nifedipine to help improve your circulation. You may need to take your medication every day, or only as needed, such as during cold weather.

Conclusion

Raynaud’s disease is a common condition that causes unpleasant symptoms and can negatively affect your quality of life. In most cases, Raynaud’s is not serious and can be treated with lifestyle changes and home remedies, but in some cases, medication may be required.

For further information, advice, and support on living with Raynaud’s disease, contact Support from Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK).