Connective Tissue Disease

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For people with acrocyanosis due to Raynaud's phenomenon, the most important measures are to avoid cold and keep the extremities warm by wearing gloves and warm boots. Keeping the entire body warm can also reduce episodes of Raynaud's phenomenon, so turning up the thermostat and bundling up before going out into the cold can also be helpful. A number of medications (mostly antihypertension agents) can improve or even prevent acrocyanosis due to Raynaud's phenomenon by preventing blood vessel constriction.

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Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

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Source: from the Harvard Health Publications Family Health Guide, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.

Used with permission of StayWell.

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