Raynaud phenomenon is a problem with the blood vessels. It leads to blood flow problems in the fingers ears, nose, and lips. Raynaud may be:
Blood vessels narrow with cold temperatures or emotional stress. In Raynaud, the blood vessels narrow too much. It leads to poor blood flow to nearby tissue. Fingers are often affected.
It is not clear what causes Primary Raynaud. It may be caused by a problem of the nervous system. Secondary Raynaud is caused by the linked disease.
Raynaud is more common in woman. It tends to first show between 15 to 40 years of age. The chance of Raynaud may increase with one or more of the following:
Symptoms appear in attacks. They may last a few minutes to a few hours. During an attack, symptoms may include:
Symptoms are more likley with cold temperature or stress.
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health past. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect Raynaud based on the symptoms. Symptoms may not be present at an appointment. A cold stimulation test may be done to start an attack. It will let the doctor see symptoms. Other tests may be done to look for a cause.
Raynaud cannot be cured. Treatment can help to lower the number of attacks and decrease how severe they are. Treating any related health problem will help to manage secondary Raynaud.
Management of both types of Raynaud may include:
Medicine may help to improve blood flow and ease symptoms. Blood vessel size can be increased with:
Nerves control the size of blood vessels. Procedures to destroy or stop the nerves may be needed if other steps have not worked. The nerves may be stopped with:
There are no steps to stop Raynaud phenomenon from developing.
Arthritis Foundation
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The Arthritis Society
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Herrick AL. Evidence-based management of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Ther Adv Musculoskeletal Dis. 2017;9(12):317-329.
Raynaud phenomenon. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115788...ynaud-phenomenon. Updated November 28, 2018. Accessed September 10, 2019.
Raynauds phenomenon. Cedars Sinai website. Available at: http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Health-Conditions/Raynauds-Phenomenon.aspx. Accessed September 10, 2019.
Raynaud's phenomenom. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Raynauds_Phenomenon/raynauds_phenomenon_ff.pdf. Accessed September 10, 2019.
Last reviewed March 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.