Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon or syndrome, is a fairly rare condition that affects about 200,000 people in the United States. This disease of the blood vessels causes the fingers and toes to become sensitive to cold and numb in response to stress or cold temperatures. With this condition, the arteries that supply blood to the skin become narrow to limit blood circulation to certain areas. When the blood vessels narrow, they can nearly shut down completely. This can cause pain in addition to numbness and sensitivity. When the blood vessels narrow, the fingers and toes can turn blue and white.
Raynaud's syndrome commonly overlaps with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues. Raynaud's comes in two forms: primary, which usually happens on its own with an unknown cause and secondary, which can be the result of injury or another disease. The condition is more common in women, especially those with a family history of Raynaud's. People who live in cold climates also have a higher risk of developing Raynaud's. Fortunately, Raynaud's can be managed with treatment once diagnosed. Typical treatment includes medication that keeps blood vessels open and keeping the feet and hands warm in the winter.
Raynaud's syndrome commonly overlaps with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues. Raynaud's comes in two forms: primary, which usually happens on its own with an unknown cause and secondary, which can be the result of injury or another disease. The condition is more common in women, especially those with a family history of Raynaud's. People who live in cold climates also have a higher risk of developing Raynaud's. Fortunately, Raynaud's can be managed with treatment once diagnosed. Typical treatment includes medication that keeps blood vessels open and keeping the feet and hands warm in the winter.