How to Diagnose Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease causes a person's hands and feet to be abnormally sensitive to cold temperatures. This disease's symptoms are most often mild and feel more like a nuisance than a disease. Consider the following in order to reach a Raynaud's disease diagnosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider your area's climate. If you live in a cold climate then you are more likely to develop Raynaud's disease. Your sex and occupation may also play a part; women and people who work outside are also more likely to have Raynaud's disease.

• 2

  Check for whiteness on your fingers. This is the most obvious symptom of Raynaud's disease. When you are exposed to the cold, you'll notice a loss of color in your fingers and toes. It may only occur on one or two digits.

• 3

  Notice any numbness in your extremities. You may experience numbness when you are having an attack of Raynaud's disease. Once circulation improves, you may feel some discomfort at the site.

• 4

  Make an appointment with your doctor. Getting a check up can rule out any other possible causes of the Raynaud's disease.

• 5

  Undergo a cold simulation test. This test measures how your skin reacts to the cold. The doctor may put your hands in cold water during the test.

• 6

  Inquire about a nail fold capillaroscopy. This involves the doctor looking under your nails at the blood vessels. This test can be used to determine any other conditions that can be causing the disease.