Raynaud's Phenomenon Symptoms

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects primarily women and can become quite serious if not treated. To diagnose Raynaud's phenomenon a doctor will perform a blood test, a physical examination and a test to check the reaction of the affected area to cold known as a cold stimulation test.

Identification

• Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that causes primarily the fingers to experience a series of discolorations in response to exposure to cold temperatures or as a result of strong emotion. The discoloration is the result of the blood vessels in the affected area expanding and contracting repeatedly. When Raynaud's is the only rheumatic condition the person suffers from it is referred to as Raynaud's disease, but when Raynaud's is combined with other conditions it is referred to as Raynaud's phenomenon. Some of the conditions that may be matched up with Raynaud's to create Raynaud's phenomenon are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma.

Symoptoms

• The most common, and earliest, symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon are the color changes in the fingers. When there is exposure to cold or a highly emotional event, the fingers will turn white as the blood vessels contract and prevent blood from reaching the skin. As the blood vessels stay closed, the fingers will turn blue from a lack of oxygen reaching the skin. When the vessels finally reopen, the fingers will turn bright red as the blood comes rushing back. This sequence will repeat itself until the stimulus that caused it is removed.

Effects

• When a Raynaud's phenomenon attack is over there may be some lingering effects. There may be a throbbing pain in the fingers, the fingers may be swollen and bright red for some time, and there can be a tingling sensation or numbness very similar to the sensation of the hand falling asleep. These after-effects are temporary.

Prevention/Solution

• Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon centers mostly on avoiding the things that trigger it. A doctor will recommend protecting your hands from cold at all times and avoiding situations that seem to create a strong emotional response. You should also avoid injury to the hands, especially cuts, as these can bleed heavily if an attack should occur. In some cases the Raynaud's phenomenon may be a reaction to medication for a different condition. If this is the case, the doctor will adjust the medication accordingly.

Warning

• Raynaud's phenomenon can develop into a serious condition. If the symptoms get progressively worse with each attack, it could lead to permanent damage to the blood vessels in the fingers. Without proper blood flow, the fingers will start to get thin and frail. People with Raynaud's phenomenon could also be at risk for blood clots, which may stop the blood flow to the finger and could result in the amputation of the affected finger.