How Is Raynaud's Disease Treated?
There is no cure for primary or secondary Raynaud's,
but many measures can reduce the number or intensity of attacks, including:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medicines
- Treatments for the disease or condition that may
help cause secondary Raynaud's
- Surgery for the tissue damage that some people
with secondary Raynaud's develop
In most people with primary Raynaud's, the disorder
is successfully managed with lifestyle adjustments. Patients with secondary
Raynaud's may need medicines in addition to lifestyle changes, and in rare
cases, they may need surgery. Anyone with Raynaud's who develops sores on their
fingers or toes or elsewhere on their body should see a doctor right away to
prevent tissue loss.
Lifestyle Changes
Most of the lifestyle changes that help people with
Raynaud's aim to avoid the triggers of attacks. These triggers include cold,
emotional stress, and certain medicines, chemicals, or actions. To protect the
body from cold, people can:
- Wear a hat, gloves, scarf, and a coat with snug
cuffs during cold weather.
- Wear gloves or mittens when taking food out of
the refrigerator or freezer.
- Turn down air conditioning, or dress warmly while
in an air conditioned space.
- Warm up the car before driving in cold
weather.
To avoid emotional triggers, people can steer clear
of stressful situations if possible. Relaxation techniques also can be helpful
under stress.
To avoid workplace or recreational triggers, people
can:
- Limit use of vibrating tools.
- Wear proper protective gear if they work with
industrial chemicals.
- Limit frequent and repeated actions of the hands,
such as typing or playing the piano.
A number of medicines can trigger attacks. People
with Raynaud's should avoid:
- Beta blockers
- Over-the-counter cold or allergy remedies or diet
aids that narrow blood vessels
- Birth control pills, which affect blood flow
- Headache medicines that contain ergotamine
Other helpful lifestyle changes for people with
Raynaud's are those that boost blood flow in the body. These include exercising
regularly and quitting smoking.
When attacks do occur, people with Raynaud's can
take several steps to limit the length and strength of the attacks. These steps
include:
- Moving to a warmer spot, such as indoors during
cold weather.
- Warming the hands or feet. Hands can be placed
under the armpits, and feet or hands can be soaked in warm water.
- Wiggling or massaging the fingers and toes.
- Moving the arms in circles or shaking arms or
feet.
- Relaxing and getting out of stressful situations
that trigger the attacks.
Medicines and Surgery
Most of the medicines used to treat people with
Raynaud's are given to improve blood flow to the extremities. These medicines
include calcium channel-blockers, such as:
- Nifedipine
- Amlodipine
- Diltiazem
- Felodipine
- Isradipine
Calcium channel-blockers help limit the number and
severity of attacks in about 2 out of 3 patients with Raynaud's.
Also helpful are alpha-blockers, such as prazosin
and doxazosin. In addition, skin creams that dilate blood vessels, such as
nitroglycerine paste, can help heal skin sores.
The rare patient who develops sores or tissue death
(gangrene) needs more aggressive treatment. Such treatment includes antibiotics
and surgery to cut out damaged tissue. People with severe, worsening Raynaud's
may have surgery or shots to block the action of nerves in the hands and feet
that control blood flow in the skin. This surgery often gets rid of symptoms
for 12 years. Patients may need shots more than once.
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