What Causes Raynaud's Disease?

In most cases of Raynaud's, no cause can be found. When this happens, the disorder is called primary Raynaud's. When a cause can be found, the disorder is called secondary Raynaud's. Secondary Raynaud's can be linked to many different medical or workplace conditions, such as:

• Diseases that damage blood vessels or the nerves that control the function of blood vessels in the hands and feet
• Repetitive actions that damage the nerves that control blood vessels in the hands and feet
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Use of medicines that narrow blood vessels or affect blood pressure

Diseases

Secondary Raynaud's is especially common in people who have scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus. About 9 out of 10 people with scleroderma have Raynaud's. About 1 out of 3 people with lupus have Raynaud's. The disease also is linked to other diseases that damage blood vessels or nerves, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Atherosclerosis
• Sjogren's syndrome, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis
• Buerger's disease

Raynaud's also can be associated with thyroid problems and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs).

Repetitive Actions

Typing, playing the piano, or another repetitive action done for long periods of time is often linked to secondary Raynaud's. Using vibrating tools at work also can make you more likely to develop the disorder.

Chemicals

Exposure to certain chemicals at work can cause a scleroderma-like illness that is linked to Raynaud's. Nicotine in cigarette smoke also can make you more prone to developing Raynaud's.

Medicines

Several medicines are linked to secondary Raynaud's, including:

• Migraine headache medicines that contain ergotamine
• Certain cancer medicines
• Some over-the-counter cold or allergy remedies
• Some blood pressure medicines (beta blockers)

Injuries to the hands or feet from surgery, frostbite, or other causes also can lead to secondary Raynaud's.