What is Raynaud's disease?

Raynaud's disease is a condition where blood flow to some parts of your body temporarily decreases due to cold or stress. This causes your skin to change colour.

It can lead to numbness, tingling or pain during these episodes. Raynaud's phenomenon can happen on its own (primary) or as part of another illness (secondary).

It is also called Raynaud's phenomenon. It is more common in females.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's disease?

Raynaud's phenomenon leads to sudden changes in the colour of your skin. Your skin may turn:

• white (due to limited blood flow), then
• blue (from lack of oxygen), then
• red (as blood flow returns)

These episodes (attacks) may be painful and may cause tingling, numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation. In severe situations, ulcers or sores may develop on the affected areas.

Attacks can last from a few minutes to several hours.

What body parts can be affected?

Raynaud's phenomenon can affect your:

• fingers (most common)
• toes
• nose
• face
• ears
• knees
• nipples

It can also happen affect the tongue or penis, but this is rare.

What causes Raynaud's disease?

Raynaud's phenomenon happens when blood vessels in affected areas temporarily narrow more than usual. This can be triggered by cold temperatures or emotional stress.

There are 2 types of Raynaud's disease:

Primary Raynaud's disease happens on its own without any underlying medical condition. It is usually milder and is more common in females. The condition is usually triggered by cold temperatures or emotional stress. It usually affects both hands or feet symmetrically.

Secondary Raynaud's disease happens because of an underlying medical condition. It is often caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or scleroderma. It tends to be more severe and may affect one side more than the other.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you think you have Raynaud's disease, or you have Raynaud's disease and you continue to have Raynaud's attacks despite trying self-care strategies. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help manage your symptoms.

It's also important to seek medical advice if an attack lasts longer than usual or does not improve. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend further tests or treatment.

How is Raynaud's disease diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and general health. They will also examine you to check for signs of Raynaud's disease and rule out other conditions. Your doctor may check for colour changes, numbness or signs of tissue damage in affected areas.

If your symptoms are more severe or unusual, your doctor may recommend further tests. Your doctor may check the blood vessels near your nails. Blood tests may be done to check for underlying conditions.

How is Raynaud's disease treated?

Treatment for Raynaud's focuses on preventing attacks, reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Self-care and lifestyle changes

• Avoid cold exposure — dress in layers, wear gloves and keep your whole body warm. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Reduce stress — stress can trigger attacks, practice relaxation techniques.
• Stop smoking — smoking may worsen symptoms by narrowing blood vessels.
• Avoid certain medicines — don't use medicines that cause blood vessel narrowing. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Warm hands during an attack — place your hands under warm water or in a warm location. You can also rotate your arms to increase circulation.

Medicines

If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as calcium channel blockers (CCB). They help relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow. If you can't use calcium channel blockers, your doctor may suggest an alternative.

Other treatments

If your symptoms are severe, stronger medicines or other interventions may be needed.

See your doctor for regular follow-ups so they can make any adjustments needed.

What are the complications of Raynaud's disease?

Raynaud's phenomenon is usually mild and causes only temporary discomfort. In severe cases, it may lead to complications:

• Reduced blood flow for too long can cause severe pain in the affected areas.
• When tissues don't get enough oxygen, they can become damaged. This may lead to ulcers (open sores) or gangrene, where tissue dies.
• Open sores (ulcers) may become infected, which may need antibiotics or even surgery.
• Ongoing (chronic) poor blood flow can weaken the skin and lead to slower healing.
• Severe or frequent attacks can make fingers or toes harder to move and more sensitive to cold or stress.

Most people with primary Raynaud's disease don't experience complications.

Complications of secondary Raynaud's disease can include digital ulcers (painful breaks in the skin of the fingers or toes), tissue damage or gangrene.

Can Raynaud's disease be prevented?

Raynaud's disease can't always be prevented, but you can reduce attacks by avoiding triggers.

Here are tips that may reduce your chance of having attacks:

• Protect against cold.
• Avoid emotional stress.
• Quit smoking.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol.
• Drink enough water.
• Exercise to increase blood flow and circulation.
• Limit exposure to vibration, such as drills or electrical sanders.

If you notice severe pain, open sores or any signs of tissue damage, seek urgent medical attention to reduce the chance of further complications.

Resources and support

For more information on Raynaud's phenomenon, visit:

• Australasian College of Dermatologists
• Musculoskeletal Health Australia
• Australian Hand Therapy Association

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.