+ Raynaud’s Phenomenon By: Alison Cunliffe

+ What is Raynaud’s Disease Condition resulting in a series of discolorations of the fingers and/or toes after exposure to changes in temperature (hot or cold) or emotional events. Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. First the digits turn white because of the diminished blood supply Second they turn blue because of the lack of oxygen Last the blood vessels reopen causing the blood to flush back in which causes digits to turn red.

+ Causes Cause is unknown. Both abnormal nerve control of blood vessels and nerve sensitivity to cold exposure have been suspected as being contributing factors.

+ Symptoms All vary on the severity, frequency, and duration of the spasm Most include: Skin discoloration Mild tingling and numbness (disappears when color returns) When spasms become more sustained sensory nerves become irritated by the lack of oxygen and can cause pain. Rarely symptoms from poor oxygen supply to the tissue can cause tips of digits to ulcerate.

+ Tests Sometimes there are certain patterns in the tiny blood vessels adjacent to the fingernails in patients with RP that can be seen with a magnifying viewing instrument. There is no blood test to help doctor to determine if you have RP Doctors can also perform certain maneuvers with the patient’s extremities to exclude pinched blood vessels that can produce symptoms that mimic RP such as in thoracic outlet syndrome.

+ Treatment No prevention Things you can do to help RP Protect fingers and toes from cold, trauma, and infection Medication that can aggravate blood vessel spasm should be avoided by patients with RP Persistent symptoms- medications that dilate the blood vessels can be administered Keep body warm!

+ Prognosis With a relatively small chance (1%) of serious complications, approximately half of all affected individuals do well by taking simple precautions, and never require medication.

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