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Date issued: November 2023

Review date: November 2025

Ref: A-100/S/V/CC/Raynaud's v5

PDF: Raynaud's Disease and associated disorders.pdf [pdf] 241KB

What is Raynaud's?

Raynaud's is a condition affecting the blood vessels (arteries) that supply the skin. This condition usually affects the fingers and toes but occasionally the nose or ears. During an episode of Raynaud’s, these sensitive arteries go into spasm and narrow, limiting the blood circulation. This, in turn, causes the skin to become cold and white, followed by pins and needles and numbness. Eventually the skin turns blue, then red, as fresh blood rushes in, causing pain and discomfort. Raynaud's phenomenon is usually induced by exposure to cold, although sometimes it can occur in response to changes in temperature and to emotional changes such as stress and anxiety. Other stimuli can occasionally provoke an attack (e.g. drugs, tobacco smoke and hormones). Raynaud's phenomenon is more common in females with an overall prevalence in the population of 10%. Anyone of any age can suffer from Raynaud's, but teenage women are affected more commonly. This may decline in severity after the menopause.

Primary Raynaud’s: This is where there is no apparent cause for the condition. It can vary from a very mild form, being little more than a nuisance, to a severe form requiring treatment.

Secondary Raynaud’s: This is associated with some other disease or external influence. Conditions associated with Raynaud's phenomenon include connective tissue diseases (such as systemic sclerosis), treatment with certain drugs, occupational diseases such as hand arm vibration syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome.

What is Systemic Sclerosis?

This is a disease of the connective tissue, which, as the name implies, holds our bodies together. Therefore, not only the skin can be affected, but also internal organs. The majority of sufferers have the mild form where there is limited skin involvement, usually of the hands and feet, becoming stiff and shiny. The gullet often becomes affected making eating and swallowing difficult. Some patients also form tiny deposits of calcium under the skin (calcinosis), which can cause ulceration. In the more severe form (called diffuse scleroderma), wide areas of skin and internal organs (such as the lungs, bowel heart and kidneys) are affected.

How do we Investigate these conditions?

Most commonly, Raynaud’s phenomenon is diagnosed from the history and occasionally on examination if seen during an attack. Blood tests may help, as can examining the small blood vessels at the base of the nail (nail fold capillaroscopy).

Is it hereditary?

There is no evidence at present that Raynaud’s is directly inherited. There is, however, a genetic predisposition so that the chances of being affected are greater if a relative has the problem.

How can I help myself?

There are several things you can do which may help. The most important are to stop smoking, take regular exercise and keep warm.

Smoking: If you are a smoker, you must make a sincere and determined effort to give up completely. Tobacco is harmful as it causes the blood vessels to narrow, decreasing the blood flow to the fingertips. The best way to give up is to choose a day when you are going to stop completely rather than trying to cut down gradually. If you do have trouble giving up, please ask your doctor or nurse who can put you in touch with the smoking cessation service.

Eating for warmth : Eating and drinking can help you keep warm. Try to eat lots of small meals to maintain your energy. High protein foods, milk, meat, fish and fresh vegetables are best. Hot meals and plenty of hot drinks, especially before sleeping, are essential. However, try cutting down on caffeine as tea, coffee and cola can also worsen symptoms.

Exercise: Gentle exercise will help your circulation. Try to avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and walk around the room, moving arms and legs to maintain the circulation. Do not let your fingers or toes get cold. In cold weather, take exercise indoors.

Clothing: Tight clothing should be avoided as this may restrict blood flow. Hands and feet should always be adequately covered. A scarf should be used to keep the face warm in cold weather and a hat and several layers of clothing should be used to keep the head and trunk warm. Feet are especially prone to cooling. Therefore, a good thick pair of socks is essential. Wet shoes and clothes should be changed as soon as possible. It is also recommended to avoid cold, draughty situations, which can exacerbate symptoms.

What about treatment?

Usually no specific treatment is required. Your GP or specialist may prescribe a vasodilator, such as nifedipine/adalat, which is a drug that relaxes the blood vessels. Occasionally, your specialist may feel an operation called a sympathectomy may be of benefit. This involves either cutting or destroying the nerves that cause the arteries to constrict. This operation is more successful for Raynaud’s of the feet – your specialist will explain this to you. Heated gloves and socks may benefit some patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon and can be prescribed, if required.

Associated conditions

Vibration White Finger (VWF): Those who work with vibrating tools have a tendency to develop Raynaud's, especially if the vibration is coarse and of a low frequency. This can become permanent even after the work has stopped. VWF is an industrial disease, which may be eligible for compensation.

Chilblains: These usually appear on the extremities - fingers, toes and ears. The skin may first become itchy, then red, swollen and very tender to touch. Chilblains occur as a result of defective circulation on exposure to cold. Clothing that rubs should be avoided.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arthritis affects the lining of the joints. This lining produces a fluid that lubricates the joint and, when affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis, it becomes inflamed and swollen. More fluid is produced causing a red, painful, swollen joint. About 10% of Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers have Secondary Raynaud's.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis: This is characterised by a rash sometimes seen on both cheeks and the bridge of the nose, with chronic inflammation of the blood vessels and connective tissues of the body. There is associated tiredness, joint pain, mouth ulcers, hair loss and Raynaud's.

Erythromyalgia: This is a chronic disorder characterised by persistent warmth, pain and redness, mainly affecting the feet and lower legs. The majority of sufferers also experience Raynaud's symptoms.

Chemical or drug induced: Some chemicals at work (vinyl chloride) or drugs such as Beta Blockers, migraine tablets or the oral contraceptive may aggravate Raynaud's. Therefore, if you are prescribed any medicines and you experience Raynaud's type symptoms, check with your GP who may be able to alter your medication.

What is the prognosis?

People who develop Raynaud’s as teenagers often have a form that is benign and will disappear with age. Unfortunately, this is not true in all cases and sometimes Raynaud’s does persist. There is no cure for Systemic Sclerosis at present but there are many effective treatments available to alleviate specific symptoms.

Contact details

Vascular Surgical Unit

Surgical Directorate

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Derriford Hospital

PL6 8DH

Tel 01752 202082

Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Lead Clinician

Mr Devender Mittapalli

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular and Transplant Surgeon

Mr Jamie Barwell

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Surgeon Commander Cris Parry RN

Secretary: 01752 431822

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Miss Catherine Western

Secretary: 01752 431805

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Lt Col Robert Faulconer

Secretary: 01752 431805

Consultant Vascular Surgeon

Mr Hashem Barakat

Secretary: 01752 431822

Vascular Scientists

• Mrs J George
• Mr A Ellison
• Mr R Craven

01752 439228

Vascular Nurse Specialist

Mr Alan Elstone

01752 431805

Matron

Judy Frame

01752 431847