What Is It?

When normal, healthy people are in a cold environment, the tiny blood vessels in their skin constrict, or narrow, in an effort to conserve heat. In people with Raynaud's phenomenon (also called Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome), that natural response to cold becomes extreme. The tiny blood vessels go into spasm, narrowing and reducing the blood flow to the affected areas. This response, called vasospasm, is seen most often in the fingers and toes, but it also can occur in the ears, cheeks and nose. In some people with the disorder, the constriction also can occur in response to emotional stress or a rapid change of temperature from warm to cool.

The effect of this can be dramatic and frightening, but it is temporary and rarely dangerous. The skin initially turns white from loss of blood, then blue from lack of oxygen. The color of the affected skin will be very different from the color of normal skin. The affected area may be numb or tingling ("pins and needles"). Once the areas are warmed, the blood vessels relax and expand, which allows more blood flow. The skin then turns pink or red as the blood returns, and there may be a feeling of warmth, throbbing or soreness.

Approximately 5% to 10%of people have Raynaud's phenomenon, and women are more likely to develop the disorder than men. No one knows what causes Raynaud's phenomenon. People do not have any other symptoms or disease are said to have primary Raynaud's or simply Raynaud's phenomenon. People who have Raynaud's phenomenon as part of another disease or condition are said to have secondary Raynaud's.

Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon commonly is linked to connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Raynaud's phenomenon also can occur as a result of damage to blood vessels from injury, frostbite or the use of jarring machinery, such as jackhammers or chainsaws. Smoking, some heart and migraine medications, and diseases that affect circulation (such as atherosclerosis) also can cause secondary Raynaud's or can worsen pre-existing Raynaud's phenomenon.

Symptoms

People with Raynaud's phenomenon see and feel changes in their fingers and toes when exposed to cold. The skin blanches or turns white, then blue. Fingers and toes can tingle or feel numb. When rewarmed, the skin flushes pink or red, and there can be soreness or throbbing as the blood surges back into the tiny blood vessels.

People with secondary Raynaud's related to a rheumatic disease also can have arthritis, rash, or a thickening or hardening of the skin.