Pain, colour changes, and numbness from the cold? Raynaud’s Syndrome affects how blood flows to your fingers, toes, and more – here’s how to spot it.
You’re strolling through the frozen section at the supermarket. Not in the Arctic, just picking up some dumplings.Walking down the frozen food aisle or spending a little longer in a cold room can give you immense torture. Suddenly, your fingers feel like they are freezing from the inside out. Then comes the tingling and numbness. Sometimes, even a change in skin colour, like bluish fingers.
“It’s so cold my hands turned white,” You complain. It’s a nuisance, but it’s normal – it is even a common idiom, right?
3 fingers turn white and numb when cold.
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If you can picture them and have experienced those symptoms, then it’s time to see a doctor. This could be signs of Raynaud’s Syndrome.
What is Raynaud’s Syndrome?
Raynaud’s Syndrome is a condition that affects blood circulation, primarily in the extremities, like fingers and toes. In rare cases, it may also affect other areas such as the nose, ears and lips.
Raynaud’s Syndrome occurs when small blood vessels narrow due to cold temperatures or stress, causing temporary episodes of reduced blood flow. The decreased blood flow results in skin colour changes, numbness and pain.
When the skin warms and blood flow improves, the affected areas may change colour again – accompanied with throbbing, tingling and swelling.
While Raynaud’s Syndrome is not usually life-threatening, it can disrupt everyday life in frustrating ways. It most commonly affects the fingers and toes, but other areas such as the nose, lips, ears and even nipples can also be involved. After exposure to cold or stress, it may take up to 15 minutes or more for normal blood flow to return once you’ve warmed up.
In severe cases, prolonged reduced blood circulation can lead to complications such as ulcers or tissue damage.
Types of Raynaud’s Syndrome
Raynaud’s Syndrome can be divided into two types:
- Primary Raynaud’s
Also known as Raynaud’s disease, this is the most common form of Raynaud’s Syndrome. This type of Raynaud’s is not associated with any underlying medical conditions, and the symptoms are typically milder.
- Secondary Raynaud’s
Occurring due to underlying medical conditions, secondary Raynaud’s is also called Raynaud’s phenomenon. This type of Raynaud’s tends to be more serious and requires medical attention.
The Causes of Raynaud’s Syndrome
The causes of Raynaud’s Syndrome depend on its type:
| Primary Raynaud’s | Secondary Raynaud’s |
| The exact cause is unknown. It is thought to involve an exaggerated response of the nervous system to cold or stress. For instance, immersing hands into iced water or exposing to extreme cold air. | This type of Raynaud’s is often linked to several factors:
|
Symptoms To Look Out
Symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome are typically episodic with each episode lasting more or less than 15 minutes. The symptoms usually include:
- Skin colour changes: The affected areas (usually the fingers and toes) will first turn white due to reduced blood flow, then blue from the lack of oxygen. As blood flow returns, they turn red.
- Numbness: The affected areas may feel numb due to the lack of blood circulation.
- Pain and tingling: As blood circulation improves, some people may experience pain, tingling, or a burning sensation.
- Skin ulcers: Severe cases can cause skin sores due to prolonged poor blood circulation and oxygen delivery. This slows down the wound healing process.
How Is Raynaud’s Syndrome Diagnosed?
There’s no single test for Raynaud’s, but the doctor will usually make a diagnosis based on symptoms and a physical exam. Besides taking a detailed medical and family history, some tests may be performed to differentiate the type of Raynaud’s Syndrome.
- Nailfold capillaroscopy: Nailfold capillaroscopy is an imaging test that uses a microscope to closely examine the blood vessels near the skin surface of the nail bed (nailfold).
- Blood tests: Various blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor (RF), may be conducted to check for autoimmune disorders, inflammation, or abnormal clotting.
Treating Raynaud’s Syndrome
Managing Raynaud’s Syndrome can begin with lifestyle changes. In severe cases, doctors may advise on options such as medications and procedures.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Avoid touching cold objects, such as a glass of ice cubes.
- Limit time spent in cold environments, such as rooms with extreme air conditioning.
- Keep warm by wearing layered clothing in cold weather. Wear gloves and thick socks even indoors if needed.
- Alleviate stress through deep breathing exercises or yoga.
- Quit smoking as nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and can trigger attacks.
Medications
- Calcium channel blockers help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
Examples: Amlodipine, Nifedipine
- Vasodilators promote blood flow to enhance skin ulcer healing.
Example: Nitroglycerin cream or skin ointment
- Alpha blockers block the action of norepinephrine, which causes the blood vessels to constrict.
Examples: Prazosin, Terazosin
Minimally Invasive and Surgical Interventions
For those with severe or stubborn cases of Raynaud’s Syndrome, botulinum toxin might sound like an unlikely solution – but it’s increasingly proving effective.
Besides being used to smoothen out wrinkles, doctors can also use ultrasound-guided toxin injections to target the blood vessels in the hands or feet. How this works is that it helps relax the vessels, improve blood flow, and ease painful symptoms, especially in patients with ulcers or long-standing discomfort. The added use of image guidance reduces the risk of complications like hand weakness, making the procedure safer and more precise. Patients have found improvement in symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome for up to 6 months after the injections.
Another option is sympathectomy, which is considered if lifestyle changes and medications have been ineffective. This nerve surgery involves cutting the nerves responsible for excessive blood vessels constriction, thereby reducing the impact of the condition.
Living With Raynaud’s
The condition is not usually dangerous, but it can be disruptive. Even if you just work in chilly environments.
The good news? Most people find that with a few adjustments, they can avoid flare-ups and keep symptoms manageable. So if your fingers are doing things they shouldn’t be (changing colour, going numb, or turning painfully cold), don’t shrug it off. It could be your body sending you a very clear (and cold) message.
Have more questions about Reynaud’s Syndrome? Experiencing strange symptoms you want to get to the roots of?
Medical Channel Asia has launched a community forum page where you can get questions answered by a medical specialist. Why not ask them at our community forum here.
References
- Raynaud’s Disease and Raynaud’s Syndrome. WebMD. Updated: 7 May 2024. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/raynauds-phenomenon
- Raynaud’s Disease. Mayo Clinic. Updated: 16 November 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Updated: July 2024. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/raynauds-phenomenon
- Lupus: The Intricate Dance of the Immune System. Medical Channel Asia. Updated: 17 October 2023. https://medicalchannelasia.com/lupus-the-intricate-dance-of-the-immune-system/
- Scleroderma: Systemic Sclerosis. Medical Channel Asia. Updated: 7 October 2022. https://medicalchannelasia.com/scleroderma-systemic-sclerosis/
- Raynaud’s Syndrome. Cleveland. Updated: 29 August 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9849-raynauds-phenomenon
- Vanessa Smith, Claudia Ickinger, Elvis Hysa, Marcus Snow, Tracy Frech, Alberto Sulli, Maurizio Cutolo. Nailfold capillaroscopy. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. Volume 37, Issue 1. 2023 (1521-6942). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521694223000359
