Order online
Order by telephone, fax, or mail
Single copy Free Each additional copy $1.25 25 copies $15.00 100 copies $50.00
What is Raynaud's Phenomenon?
What are the symptoms?
What causes Raynaud's?
Who is affected?
How is Raynaud's diagnosed?
Is primary Raynaud's different from secondary Raynaud's?
What are the treatments for Raynaud's?
Are there ways to prevent attacks?
What is the prognosis?
Is more informatioon available on Raynaud's phenomenon?
Order online Order by telephone, fax, or mail
| Single copy | Free |
| Each additional copy | $1.25 |
| 25 copies | $15.00 |
| 100 copies | $50.00 |
NHLBI
Home Page 
Blood Information for the General Public
Raynaud's Phenomenon is a Disorder of the small blood vessels that feed the skin. During an attack of Raynaud's, these arteries contract briefly, limiting blood flow. This is called a vasospasm. Deprived of the blood's oxygen, the skin first turns white then blue. The skin turns red as the arteries relax and blood flows again. Extremities--hands and feet--are most commonly affected, but Raynaud's can attack other areas such as the nose and ears.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include changes in skin color (white to blue to red) and
skin temperature (the affected area feels cooler). Usually
there is no pain, but it is common for the affected area to feel
numb or prickly, as if it has fallen asleep.
What causes Raynaud's?
Doctors do not completely understand the cause of Raynaud's, but
they believe the body's blood vessels overreact to cold.
When the body is exposed to cold, the hands and feet lose heat rapidly. To conserve heat, the body reduces the amount of blood flowing to these areas by narrowing the small arteries that supply them with blood. In persons with Raynaud's, these small blood vessels overrespond to cold. For example, reaching into a refrigerator may trigger an attack.
Cold temperatures are more likely to provoke an attack when the individual is physically or emotionally stressed. For some persons, exposure to cold is not even necessary; stress alone causes vessels to narrow.
Who is affected?
Women between the ages of 15 and 50 are most often affected, but
anyone can have the problem. It is not known for sure how many
people suffer from these symptoms, but Raynaud's is a common
problem.
How is Raynaud's diagnosed?
An attack is usually temporary, so the doctor relies on the
patient's description to diagnose the problem. The doctor will
also determine whether the patient has Raynaud's alone (called
primary Raynaud's phenomenon) or if another disease or some
aspect of the patient's lifestyle is causing the symptoms. If
the problem is caused by another disease or risk factor, the
patient is said to have secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Is primary Raynaud's different from secondary Raynaud's?
Yes. Primary Raynaud's usually affects both hands and both feet, and the cause is not known for certain. Secondary Raynaud's usually affects either both hands or both feet. Causes of secondary Raynaud's can be identified. Smoking is one cause. Some drugs may also cause this form of Raynaud's phenomenon. These include:
What are the treatments for Raynaud's?
Patients with primary Raynaud's are taught how to prevent attacks
(see below). In patients with secondary Raynaud's, doctors first
treat the underlying cause. Vasodilators--drugs that help relax
artery walls to improve blood flow--may be prescribed for
patients with secondary Raynaud's or primary Raynaud's that
resists other forms of therapy.
Are there ways to prevent attacks?
Yes. People suffering from Raynaud's should protect themselves
from cold and keep all parts of their body warm--not just their
extremities. Outdoors in winter, they should wear scarves, warm
socks and boots, and mittens or gloves under mittens because
gloves alone allow heat to escape. People with Raynaud's should
also wear wristlets to close the space between the sleeve and
mitten. Indoors, people should wear socks and comfortable shoes.
When taking food out of the refrigerator or freezer, they should
wear mittens, oven mitts, or pot holders.
Patients with Raynaud's should guard against cuts, bruises, and other injuries to the affected areas. Activities such as sewing may have to be limited.
Patients who smoke should quit. Doctors may also adjust medications if the drugs appear to be responsible for the symptoms.
After several sessions of training, patients can often prevent or stop attacks using biofeedback, a technique in which patients are taught to "think" their fingers or toes warm.
It is important for persons who suspect they have Raynaud's to talk with their personal physicians. The doctor can give advice on the best ways to manage and treat the problem.
What is the prognosis?
Between 40 to 60 percent of patients with primary Raynaud's
respond to management techniques. A rare but serious
complication of primary Raynaud's is dry gangrene, or dead flesh.
This may occur if the arteries stay contracted so that blood
cannot bring oxygen to the area.
In most people with secondary Raynaud's, the problem does not get worse. All patients with Raynaud's should discuss any questions about their prognosis with their doctor.
Is more information available on Raynaud's phenomenon?
Yes. For more information, you may wish to contact:
Arthritis Foundation
1314 Spring Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 872-7100
United Scleroderma Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 350
Watsonville, CA 95077-0350
(408) 728-2202
American Lupus Society
23751 Madison Street
Torrance, CA 90505
(213) 373-1335