Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels and causes them to have extreme reactions to such things as cold temperatures and stress. The result is an exaggerated response to either of these stimuli. The condition affects around 3-5 percent of the population and is more common in women. The disease may start in childhood, but more typically arises during adolescence or adulthood
The body’s normal response to cold or stress is to shunt blood away from the extremities and towards your vital organs. In Raynaud’s, this normal response to cold or stress is more rapid and exaggerated. Simple things such as taking something out of the freezer or being in a cold room can trigger an episode, in which the following symptoms may occur:
Ÿ skin of the fingers and toes may turn white initially, then bluish in colour
Ÿ when blood flow improves, the skin may turn red
Ÿ you may experience a throbbing sensation, or numbness and tingling
These symptoms may occur frequently, and are not usually serious. In severe cases, however, repeated episodes may cause permanent tissue damage, and sores or gangrene may result.
Primary Raynaud’s disease is idiopathic (has no known cause) and is usually more of a nuisance than a serious threat to health. Secondary Raynaud’s disease may be caused by connective tissue disorders, or by medications or other causes, so if you think that you might have Raynaud’s, you may want to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
Related Links:
Raynaud's disease from the Mayo Clinic
What is Raynaud's Disease? from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Raynaud's phenomenon from MedicineNet
