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:
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.
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