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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Definition: Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Raynaud's phenomenon causes discoloration of fingers and/or toes due to narrowing of the blood vessels, provoked by sensitivity to cold or emotional upsets.

Raynaud's phenomenon can exist as a primary condition or in congruence with an underlying disease, most commonly one of the connective tissue diseases such as:

scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)

mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)

lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)

Sjögren's syndrome

dermatomyositis

polymyositis

Raynaud's phenomenon is classified as either the primary or the secondary form. Most people have the primary form. Although secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is less common than the primary form, it is often a more complex and serious disorder.

Raynaud's phenomenon may affect up to 10 percent of the general population in the United States. Women are more likely than men to have the disorder.

Several treatments/self-help measures can help people live well with Raynaud's phenomenon, these include:

Taking action during an attack (an attack should not be ignored)

Keeping warm

Don't smoke

Control stress (stress/emotional upsets trigger attacks)

Exercise regularly

Trying relaxation or biofeedback techniques

See your doctor if questions or concerns develop

Related Resources

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Guide To Raynaud's Phenomenon

Understanding Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's Phenomenon Screening Quiz

Pronunciation: RAY-NOSE

Also Known As: Raynaud's disease, idiopathic Raynaud's phenomenon, primary Raynaud's syndrome, primary Raynaud's phenomenon, secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

Common Misspellings: Raynuad's

Examples: Secondary to scleroderma the patient was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon.

_{Source: NIH Publication No. 01-4911}