Raynaud's Phenomenon: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Primary Raynaud’s occurs without another disease; secondary Raynaud’s may accompany scleroderma, lupus or certain medicines. Secondary disease carries greater tissue-injury risk and needs cause assessment.

Related reading: Peripheral artery disease as a different circulatory disorder.

Skin may turn pale, blue and then red as circulation returns, but not everyone experiences every color. Tingling, numbness or pain may accompany episodes.

Vessels overreact to cold or emotion. Primary disease is incompletely understood; secondary episodes can relate to immune disease, injury or occupational exposure.

Younger age, female sex and family history are associated with primary disease. Connective-tissue disorders, certain medicines and vibration exposure increase secondary Raynaud’s risk.

Evaluation considers episode pattern, examination, medicines and associated symptoms. Nailfold capillary assessment and selected autoimmune blood tests may help distinguish secondary disease.

Warmth and trigger avoidance often control mild symptoms. A clinician may prescribe a vasodilator such as nifedipine, treat an underlying disorder or arrange specialist ulcer and ischemia care.

Primary Raynaud’s usually causes no permanent damage. Severe secondary disease can produce ulcers, infection or tissue loss; persistent changes should not be dismissed as a simple attack.

Protect the whole body and extremities from cold and sudden temperature changes. Avoid smoking, manage stress and review possible medication triggers without stopping treatment yourself.