Raynaud syndrome. Certain body parts, such the fingers and toes, become numb and chilly in reaction to cold or stress when a person has raynaud’s illness. Narrowing of the tiny blood arteries supplying the skin occurs in raynaud’s disease. Vasospasm is the term for this condition, which restricts blood flow to afflicted areas.
RAYNAUD SYNDROME
It is called raynaud’s syndrome, and it affects the tiny blood arteries in your fingers and toes. Additionally, it can impact the blood vessels in your earlobes, lips, or nose. Vasospastic attacks are episodic spasms that occur in response to stress or cold temperatures in people with raynaud’s disease.
Symptoms
Color shifts. Your skin may transition from white to blue to red as blood flow pauses and then resumes. Not everyone undergoes all three skin color changes.
Feeling numb or cold. This occurs when blood that is rich in oxygen isn’t getting to your finger or other afflicted body part. That area of your body seems to have “Gone asleep.”
Warmth, tingling, or a pulsating sensation: This occurs when blood flow to the afflicted area of your body resumes.
Gangrene with skin ulcers: Your fingertips may develop painful sores as a result of longer or more frequent episodes. It may take some time for these sores to heal. In rare cases, tissue death (gangrene) may result from a shortage of oxygen reaching your tissues.
Causes
There is no known cause for primary raynaud’s syndrome.
Secondary raynaud’s syndrome, also known as raynaud’s phenomenon, is typically brought on by an underlying illness or condition. People with connective tissue illnesses are particularly likely to experience it. Some of these conditions cause your fingers and toes to receive less blood flow.
Certain drugs and repetitive actions are additional possibilities. The numerous causes of raynaud’s phenomenon are broken down in the lists below.
Treatment
Medication might be necessary, though, if your symptoms are severe. Your doctor might recommend one or more of the following drugs:
The medications known as calcium-channel blockers aid in the relaxation and opening of your smallest blood vessels. As a result, you experience fewer attacks and they are less intense. Calcium-channel blockers can also aid in the healing of toe or finger ulcers.
Norepinephrine is counteracted by alpha-blockers. It’s a hormone that makes your blood vessels narrow.
You can help heal skin ulcers on your fingers by applying nitroglycerin skin ointment.
Prevention
The occurrence of raynaud’s syndrome cannot be avoided. However, you may assist prevent attacks by identifying your triggers and implementing preventative measures.
Annual checks with your physician are also crucial. By doing this, your doctor can identify and address underlying issues that could be the source of raynaud’s phenomenon. Certain illnesses can be avoided by adopting healthier lifestyle choices, like abstaining from tobacco use.
Summary
Raynaud’s syndrome is a prevalent ailment that might impact your standard of living. Developing self-care skills at home can help you prevent and control Raynaud’s attacks. Discuss your alternatives for treatment with your provider if your symptoms are keeping you from engaging in the activities you enjoy. Joining a support group could also be beneficial in order to gain knowledge from people who are experiencing the same issue.