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What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder in which blood vessels suddenly narrow, temporarily cutting off blood supply to the fingers or other extremities, such as the toes, lips, nose, tongue, ears and nipples.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon?

Most commonly the affected areas, such as the fingers, change color to white and then to blue/purple and finally to red as blood flow returns. Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, pain and discomfort can also occur as blood flow returns.

What causes Raynaud's phenomenon?

In many cases, there is no underlying cause for Raynaud's phenomenon; rather, it is thought to be caused by an exaggerated response of the blood vessels to cold temperatures or stress. In some cases, it can occur due to underlying medical conditions, …

Who gets Raynaud's phenomenon?

Anyone can get Raynaud's phenomenon, although it most commonly develops in the late teens or 20s. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.

How is Raynaud's phenomenon diagnosed?

There is no single test for Raynaud's phenomenon. A doctor will examine affected areas and ask about your symptoms in order to diagnose it. Further tests may be recommended if there is concern that an underlying medical condition may be causing the …

How is Raynaud's phenomenon treated?

In most cases, Raynaud's phenomenon is treated by learning about your personal triggers for an attack and avoiding them. Gently warming an affected area during an attack can help to restore blood flow. Rarely, further treatments such as medications or …

Can Raynaud's phenomenon be cured?

Raynaud's phenomenon cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed and attacks can be limited by avoiding known triggers.

Will Raynaud's phenomenon clear on its own?

For some people, Raynaud's phenomenon will become less of a problem over time. Women may find that it improves at menopause. If Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by an underlying medical condition, it is more likely to be severe and require ongoing …

Is Raynaud's phenomenon serious?

Most people who have Raynaud's attacks have the less serious primary form that can be managed well by avoiding triggers. In some cases, the symptoms will improve over time, with women often finding that symptoms noticeably reduce with menopause. However, …

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About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 209 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Psoriatic arthritis

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