Raynaud's Phenomenon, Disease and Syndrome
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. It is characterized by episodic attacks, called vasospastic attacks, in which the blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict. This usually happens due to cold temperatures and/or emotional stress. Raynaud's phenomenon can be either primary; when it happens on its own, or secondary; when it occurs in conjunction with another condition.
People of any age can have Raynaud's phenomenon. The primary form usually begins between the ages of 15 and 25, appears to be more common in women than in men, and people who live in colder climates. Most likely this is because people with the disorder have more Raynaud's attacks during periods of colder weather. Fortunately for most people, the symptoms are mild and not associated with any blood vessel or tissue damage. Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon more often begins later in life, typically after 35 to 40 years of age. Severe cases of Raynaud's phenomenon can lead to problems such as skin ulcers or gangrene in the fingers and toes, which can be painful and difficult to treat.
Common risk factors for Raynaud's phenomenon are having a connective tissue disease, exposure to vibrating tools such as jackhammers, living in a colder climate, and it may be linked to certain drugs.
Attacks of Raynaud's phenomenon are caused by an intense reaction of the body's natural response to cold. When an attack starts, a person may go through three phases of skin color changes, white to blue to red, in the fingers or toes. Some people do not go through all three. During the attack, the fingers or toes may feel cold and numb as blood flow to them is decreased. As blood flow returns, the affected area may throb and tingle. Usually, the blood flow to the skin will remain low for about 15 minutes while the skin is rewarmed.
Most cases of Raynaud's phenomenon are easy to diagnose but sometimes it is difficult to identify the form of the disorder. Sometimes, special blood testing is needed. If the evaluation and special testing studies are normal, then the diagnosis of primary Raynaud's phenomenon can be made and it usually will not change into a secondary form. It is possible that Raynaud's phenomenon may be genetically linked because about 30 percent of first-degree relatives of patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon also have the condition.