Raynaud's disease
Cold hands and feet are uncomfortable but are usually only a problem in winter. But for people who suffer from Raynaud's disease they can be a year-round problem, sometimes with serious consequences.
What is Raynaud's disease?
People with this condition get spasm (narrowing) of the arteries leading to their fingers and toes. This means the tissues in these areas do not get enough oxygen.
Initially the affected fingers or toes appear white, then blue and then red and painful.
In severe cases, tissue damage leads to gangrene and the ends of the affected digits die and become black, requiring amputation. Fortunately this is a rare complication.
What causes Raynaud's disease?
We do not know what causes Raynaud's disease, although a similar situation, known as Raynaud's phenomenon, can occur in a number of other medical conditions including blood disorders, disease of the arteries, a group of diseases known as connective tissue disorders (including rheumatoid arthritis) and with certain drugs. People who operate vibrating machinery may also experience this problem.
Treatment for Raynaud's disease
There is no simple treatment for Raynaud's disease. Sometimes drugs that dilate (open up) arteries are used, either as tablets or ointment.
An operation known as a sympathectomy, which divides certain nerves that stimulate blood vessels to contract, may help chronic cases. Alternatively, chemicals can be injected to block these nerves.
Affected people must do all they can to keep themselves, and particularly their hands and feet, warm. This may mean wearing thick socks and gloves most of the time. Smoking must be avoided as this makes the problem worse. Some people find that stressful situations trigger their attacks and, in these people, stress management techniques can help.
It's also important to avoid any medicines, including certain over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, that can aggravate Raynaud's disease by increasing blood vessel spasm.
For most sufferers these simple measures could stop Raynaud's disease from interfering with their life too much.
Last Reviewed: 10 June 2008
