Key Points

• Raynaud's is a rare disorder that affects the arteries. The disorder is marked by brief episodes of vasospasm (narrowing of the blood vessels).
• Vasospasm of arteries reduces blood flow to the fingers and toes. Rarely, it affects the nose, ears, nipples, and lips.
• In most cases, the cause of Raynaud's isn't known. This type of Raynaud's is called Raynaud's disease or primary Raynaud's. Sometimes, a disease, condition, or other factor causes Raynaud's. This type of Raynaud's is called Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's.
• If you have primary or secondary Raynaud's, cold temperatures or stressful emotions can trigger "Raynaud's attacks." During an attack, little or no blood flows to affected body parts. As a result, the skin may turn white and then blue for a short time. As blood flow returns, the affected areas turn red and may throb, tingle, burn, or feel numb.
• Primary Raynaud's is more likely to occur in women than in men. It's also more likely to affect people who are younger than 30, have a family history of Raynaud's, or live in a cold climate.
• Secondary Raynaud's is more likely to occur in people older than 30. It's also more likely to occur in people who have diseases or conditions that directly damage the arteries or damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet.
• Other risk factors for secondary Raynaud's include injuries to the hands or feet, exposure to certain chemicals, repetitive actions, certain medicines, smoking, and living in a cold climate.
• Most people who have Raynaud's have no long-term tissue damage or disability. However, people who have severe secondary Raynaud's may develop skin sores or gangrene. "Gangrene" refers to the death or decay of body tissues. Fortunately, severe Raynaud's is rare.
• Your doctor will diagnose primary or secondary Raynaud's based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests.
• Primary and secondary Raynaud's have no cure. However, treatments can reduce the number and severity of Raynaud's attacks. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery.
• Most people who have primary Raynaud's can manage the condition with lifestyle changes. People who have secondary Raynaud's may need medicines in addition to lifestyle changes. Rarely, they may need surgery or shots.
• You can take steps to avoid things that trigger Raynaud's attacks. Protect yourself from the cold and try to avoid emotional stress. Avoid medicines, substances, and activities that can trigger Raynaud's attacks. Include physical activity as part of your healthy lifestyle. Limit your use of caffeine and alcohol, and quit smoking.
• You can help stop a Raynaud's attack once it starts. Warm up your hands, feet, or other affected areas right away. For example, place your hands under your armpits, run warm water over your fingers and toes, or massage your hands and feet.
• If you have Raynaud's, see your doctor for ongoing care and take all medicines as your doctor prescribes. See your doctor right away if your Raynaud's symptoms get worse or if you develop sores on your fingers, toes, or other parts of your body.