This reduced blood flow causes numbness and color changes in the fingers and toes and can be painful.
Coldand stress are typical causes of a Raynauds attack or episode, which can last for minutes to hours.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Types of Raynauds Phenomenon
The two types of Raynauds phenomenon are primary and secondary.
Primary Raynauds is idiopathic, meaning it occurs spontaneously with no known cause.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
This is known as Raynauds disease.
Secondary Raynauds occurs due to an underlying disease.
It is known as Raynauds syndrome.
Primary Raynauds Disease
Primary Raynauds disease often occurs spontaneously with no known cause.
It is typically benign (not harmful) and does not cause lasting damage.
Attacks of Raynauds disease may last an hour but can last longer.
They usually occur symmetrically (both hands or both feet) and episodically.
While bothersome, the attacks arent painful.
Secondary Raynauds Syndrome
Secondary Raynauds is a manifestation of an underlying condition.
In some cases, Raynauds may be the first indication that something else is going on in the body.
People with secondary Raynauds have more frequent attacks and will often describe them as being painful.
What Causes Raynauds Phenomenon?
While the exact cause of Raynauds phenomenon is unknown, factors are related to developing Raynauds.
These factors differ depending on the key in of Raynauds.
However, certain risk factors can influence who experiences Raynauds.
Secondary Raynauds Syndrome Causes
Secondary Raynauds occurs due to an underlying condition.
Characteristics of these underlying conditions cause the body to respond with a typical Raynauds attack.
People who have a condition such as these are more likely to develop Raynauds syndrome.
What Are the Risk Factors for Raynauds Phenomenon?
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing Raynauds phenomenon, including age, smoking, and underlying conditions.
People under the age of 30 are more likely to develop primary Raynauds.
Females are at higher risk of developing Raynauds, as are people with a family history of the disease.
Smoking is associated with a higher risk of Raynauds.Cardiovascular disease has also been associated with Raynauds.
How Raynauds Phenomenon Is Diagnosed
There is no single test to diagnose Raynauds.
Instead, a healthcare provider will go through a process to determine if you have Raynauds.
If the diagnosis is positive, your provider will distinguish whether it is primary or secondary Raynauds.
Medical History
A full medical history is often the most telling part of the diagnostic process.
They will also look at risk factors such as sex, family history, and occupation.
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic tests can help distinguish between primary and secondary Raynauds.
A nailfold capillary microscopy test looks at the small blood vessels in the nails.
Changes in these capillaries can be a sign of secondary Raynauds.
Blood tests may also be used to determine if an underlying condition is causing Raynauds.
The blood tests will vary depending on the suspected condition.
Most people with primary Raynauds can manage the disease with lifestyle changes.
For those with secondary Raynauds, other treatment options may be necessary.
These includecalcium channel blockerssuch as Procardia XL (nifedipine) and adrenoreceptor antagonists like Minipress (prazosin).
These medications can reduce the number and intensity of attacks.
These medications are often called infusions and can decrease the frequency and severity of attacks.
Surgery may also be used to remove dead or infected tissue from severe attacks.
Lifestyle modifications include:
When you experience an attack, treat it immediately.
To warm fingers experiencing an attack, place them under warm water or under the armpits.
you might also use a heating pad for your hands or feet.
Cold is a known trigger.
Taking steps to avoid the cold can be helpful.
This includes:
Stress is another trigger.
Learning to manage stress can help with triggers as well.
Stress management techniques include meditation, breath work, exercise, and working with a mental health professional.
Some medications can trigger attacks.
Speak to your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.
Common medications known to trigger attacks include:
Whats the Outlook for Someone With Raynauds Phenomenon?
The long-term outlook and prognosis for people with Raynauds depends on the severity and the jot down.
Primary Raynauds is a benign condition.People with primary Raynauds typically have no lasting effects of the condition.
In those cases, the diagnosis becomes secondary Raynauds.
The outlook can be more complicated for people with secondary Raynauds.
The underlying condition also carries its own outlook, which should be considered as well.
These attacks can last from minutes to hours.
Diagnosis of the condition requires a physical exam, a full medical history, and diagnostic testing.
Treatments for Raynauds include avoiding triggers, treating the underlying condition, and medications.
The long-term outlook for people with Raynauds depends on severity and jot down.
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