Raynaud's Syndrome - Causes - Diagnosis - Symptoms - Treatment
Monday February 14, 2005
Raynaud's phenomenon is an arthritis-related condition which occurs when blood vessels constrict. The fingers and toes are most commonly affected by Raynaud's. It's possible for the nose, lips, and ear lobes to also be affected. The decreased blood flow can cause pain and discomfort in the affected area as well as discoloration of the skin. For most people, an attack is usually triggered by exposure to cold or emotional stress.
Raynaud's can occur as a primary or secondary condition. As a primary condition, it is not associated with any other disease and is often referred to as Raynaud's disease. Rheumatic conditions associated with secondary Raynaud's include:
- Scleroderma
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Dermatomyositis
- Polymyositis
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Conditions estimates that 5 to 10 percent of the U.S. population is affected by Raynaud's phenomenon. Learn the more about Raynaud's Syndrome causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment in Fast Facts About Raynaud's Phenomenon.
- Guide to Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Understanding Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Raynaud's Phenomenon Screening Quiz
Photo © ADAM
Comments
I find that it affects not only my fingers, toes, nose and ears, but it seems to affect other body locations as well. I hate to say this (humor aside) but it feels at times it is also affecting my thinking processes as well. Has anyone experienced this as well?
HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH raynauds is there anthing out there other than Blood Pressure tablets that may help my chillblains which give so much pain .
I am 15 and have Reynauds Syndrome. I find that even if my classroom at school is cold my hand will turn blue. It hurts terribly and causes writing to be excruciatingly difficult. Living in the Pacific Northwest does not help my case much. I am always having to wear gloves when it is chilly, it is awful. The disease, or whatever it is, is genetic, and my mom has it too. Also Reynauds Syndrome can be caused by some medications, such as ADHD meds. So if you have started taking medication for ADHD and then developed Reynauds, your medicine is to blame.
At 55,,I’ve recently been told I have both ADHD,,and,,Raynaud’s Syndrome. It answere’d the question as to why I despise the cold,,but,if the medications for ADHD can cause it as well,,how do I ” get better? “