What Is Raynaud's?
Raynaud's is a rare disorder that affects the
arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to
different parts of your body.
Raynaud's is sometimes called a disease, syndrome,
or phenomenon. The disorder is marked by brief episodes of vasospasm (narrowing
of the blood vessels).
Vasospasm of the arteries reduces blood flow to the
fingers and toes. In people who have Raynaud's, the disorder usually affects
the fingers. In about 40 percent of people who have Raynaud's, it affects the
toes. Rarely, the disorder affects the nose, ears, nipples, and lips.
Overview
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 known as Raynaud's phenomenon or
secondary Raynaud's. Primary Raynaud's is more common and tends to be less
severe than 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 may turn red and
may throb, tingle, burn, or feel numb.
In both types of Raynaud's, even mild or brief
changes in temperature can cause attacks. For example, taking something out of
the freezer or being exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can
cause your fingers to turn blue.
Raynaud's
Figure A shows arteries in the
fingers (digital arteries) with normal blood flow. The inset image shows a
cross-section of a digital artery. Figure B shows fingertips that have turned
white due to blocked blood flow. Figure C shows narrowed digital arteries,
causing blocked blood flow and blue fingertips. The inset image shows a
cross-section of a narrowed digital artery.
Most people who have Raynaud's have no long-term
tissue damage or disability. However, people who have severe Raynaud's can
develop skin sores or gangrene from prolonged or repeated Raynaud's attacks.
Gangrene refers to the death or decay of body tissues.
Outlook
About 5 percent of the U.S. population has
Raynaud's. For most people who have primary Raynaud's, the disorder is more of
a bother than a serious illness. They usually can manage the condition with
minor lifestyle changes.
Secondary Raynaud's may be harder to manage.
However, several types of treatments are available to help prevent or relieve
symptoms. With secondary Raynaud's, it's important to treat the underlying
disease or condition that's causing it.
Researchers continue to look for better ways to
diagnose and treat Raynaud's.
February 2009
|