Raynaud's Disease Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Raynaud’s Disease ?

Also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, Raynaud’s disease is an uncommon disorder which is marked by excessive reduction in blood flow in response to either cold temperature or extreme stress.

Affected location may include fingers and toes. In Raynaud’s disease, smaller arteries responsible for supplying blood to the skin may narrow which causes a hindrance in blood flow. This process is also referred to as vasospasm.

Women are more prone to developing Raynaud’s disease than men. Moreover, living in a cold climate greatly increases the risk of developing it.

While developing Raynaud’s disease greatly affects quality of life, it may not prove to be disabling if treatment is sought.

There are two types of Raynaud’s disease namely:

primary – when the condition is idiopathic in nature
secondary – when another medical condition is the underlying cause

Causes Of Raynaud’s Disease:

When Raynaud’s disease is primary in nature, it is not caused by any other condition and is idiopathic in nature.

If it is secondary in nature, possible causes include:

Connective tissue diseases.
Diseases of the arteries.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Repetitive action or vibration.
Smoking
Certain medications.

Possible risk factors include:

Women are at a higher risk of developing it than men
Primary Raynaud’s begins between the ages of 15 and 30.
Living in a colder climate increases the risk of developing the condition
Family history.
Having a first degree relative greatly increases the risk of developing the disease

Symptoms Of Raynaud’s Disease:

Signs and symptoms may vary in severity and location, and may include the following:

Cold fingers or toes
Color changes in skin in response to cold or stress
Numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or stress relief

Diagnosis Of Raynaud’s Disease:

Raynaud’s disease can be diagnosed via:

Antinuclear antibodies test, whose positive result may indicate a stimulated immune system
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ,which indicates presence of an autoimmune disease