Hypothermia, frostbite, that pesky winter
cold that seems to hang on until spring these are typical health
hazards when it’s cold. But have you heard of Raynaud’s phenomenon? Less
well-known, it also strikes susceptible people in cold temperatures.
Some five to ten percent of Americans particularly women
are affected by Raynaud’s (“Ray Nodes”) phenomenon. It can deprive the
fingers and toes of blood and sometimes the nose, lips and ear
lobes as well. When they get cold, all these parts can become numb and
the skin can turn white or even blue. Raynaud’s can lead to more serious
health problems like skin ulcers and gangrene.
When people with Raynaud’s are exposed to the cold, the small blood
vessels in their fingers or toes go into spasmodic contractions to preserve
heat. Sometimes the arteries that feed the skin collapse and blood flow
to their extremities is greatly reduced. Once they warm their fingers
or toes, blood flow increases, causing the skin to turn red and feeling
returns. Episodes can last anywhere from a minute to several hours.
Stress may also play a role in Raynaud’s. During stressful conditions
the body releases chemicals that can trigger symptoms typically seen
in the disorder. In most people, doctors don’t know the underlying cause
of Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, people with certain connective tissue
diseases like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome, or conditions such as
diabetes, thyroid disease, or peripheral vascular disease may be more
at risk.
Attacks Can Come Often
The frequency of Raynaud’s attacks varies from patient to patient.
“Some folks get them as often as daily or several times a week,” explains
Gregory Dennis, M.D., a rheumatologist and Director of Clinical Programs
and Training with NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
The period of exposure to the cold is extremely critical. “It only
takes about 20 to 30 minutes of exposure to the cold to cause potentially
serious problems, such as tissue damage,” Dr. Dennis says. “This can
lead to ulcers on the fingertips and left untreated, even gangrene.”
Bone damage may also ensue, he says.
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A Word to the Wise...
Preventing Raynaud’s attacks
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Keep warm avoid chilling the extremities as
well as the rest of the body.
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Always wear gloves and thick socks when you go outside
during cold weather. You may want to purchase special gloves and
socks that have battery-powered warmers inside them.
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Wear a hat in cold weather that covers your ears, or
wear ear muffs.
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Don’t smoke. Smoking impairs your circulation. The
nicotine in cigarettes can also cause your skin temperature to drop,
which could bring on an attack.
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Recognize that air conditioning can trigger an episode.
Don’t turn it up too high, and bring along something to keep you warm
if you are going to be in a highly air-conditioned room for a long
time, like in a movie theater.
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If you’re sensitive to cold, use insulated drinking glasses and
wear gloves before putting your hands inside the freezer compartment
at home or at your grocery store.
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Control stress. Recognizing and avoiding stressful situations
may help control the number of attacks.
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Get regular exercise. Exercise is good for circulation and may
help prevent attacks. Check with your doctor before you begin exercising. |
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