Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the extremities which include the fingers, toes, nose and ears when exposed to temperature changes or stress.

The symptoms include several cyclic color changes. When exposed to cold temperatures, the oxygen supply to the fingertips, toes, nose, and earlobes of Raynaud's disease patients is reduced and the skin turns pale or white and becomes cold and numb. When the oxygen supply is depleted, the skin colour turns blue. These events are episodic and when the episode subsides, or the area is warmed, blood returns to the area and the skin colour turns red and then back to normal, often accompanied by swelling and tingling. These symptoms are thought to be due to reactive hyperemias of the areas deprived of blood flow.

Patients with Raynaud's disease are advised to keep warm by wearing gloves and socks. They should also avoid stress, medicines that can constrict blood vessels such as decongestants and touching cold objects. Patients are also advised to avoid foods and activities that may constrict blood vessels such as drinking caffeinated drinks and smoking.

The severity of the disease runs from mild to severe. In people with mild cases, this may be simply an annoyance. More serious cases require medical intervention due to the risks of gangrene and possible digital amputation. Microvascular surgery of the affected areas is a possible therapy.

Treatment for Raynaud's disease may include prescription medicines that enlarge blood vessels, such as calcium channel blockers. Mild cases of Raynaud's can be addressed by biofeedback or a technique to help control involuntary body functions such as skin temperature. In severe cases, a sympathectomy procedure can be performed. Here, the nerves that signals the blood vessels of the fingertips to constrict are surgically cut.

...More at Wikipedia 

Related Links:

• US National Library of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic

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