Raynaud's Syndrome

Raynaud's syndrome, or phenomenon, is the secondary form of Raynaud's and is caused by drugs used in cancer treatment, use of vibrating tools such as jack hammers, diseases such as arthritis and lupus,and stress, trauma and smoking. The cause of primary Raynaud's, or Raynaud's disease, is not known. Both types of Raynaud's share the distinctive symptom of the extremities changing color from white to blue to red as circulation changes.

Identification

• Raynaud's syndrome is a condition in which there is a decrease in the amount of blood circulated to the outermost areas of the body, including the feet, hands, nose and ears. It will appear in times of cold when the body naturally tries to conserve heat by reducing circulation. Raynaud's causes numbing and changes in color of the extremities.

Symptoms

• The most common symptom of Raynaud's syndrome is numbness or a prickly sensation of the hands and feet as well as the nose and ears. This can also manifest as a change in color to the finger and toes, progressing from normal to white to blue to red. This is also accompanied by a feeling of cold to the affected areas. Raynaud's sufferers will also experience pain or throbbing when circulation returns to normal.

Time Frame

• When someone suffering from Raynaud's syndrome is exposed to cold weather, they will experience a numbing sensation for a few minutes to more than an hour, depending in conditions.

Treatment

• One of the most common preventative measures is limiting contact with cold.

Statistics

• Women older than 35 will generally be more affected by this form of Raynaud's disease than men. Women are more susceptible to either form, but the age range will be slightly different. It will usually affect people living in cold climates.