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Raynaud's phenomenon is where your blood stops flowing properly to your fingers and toes. It's common and does not usually cause severe problems. You can often treat the symptoms yourself by keeping warm. Sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Raynaud's affects your blood circulation. When you're cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour.
Other symptoms can include:
The skin may turn white or a lighter colour as blood flow is restricted.
Sometimes the skin turns blue as blood vessels react.
The skin may turn red as blood flow returns.
Raynaud's may make your fingertips appear paler if you have brown or black skin.
Some people also find that their ears, nose, lips or nipples are affected.
The symptoms of Raynaud's may last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Raynaud's is sometimes caused by another health condition, taking certain medicines, or working with vibrating tools for a long time.
| Symptoms | Possible causes |
|---|---|
|
Symptoms
Pins and needles that lasts for a few minutes |
Possible causes
Resting or sleeping on part of the body |
|
Symptoms
Breathing too quickly, trembling hands, pins and needles, but fingers do not change colour |
Possible causes
Hyperventilation |
|
Symptoms
Burning or itchy swelling on fingers and toes, happens after being very cold, gets worse as you warm up |
Possible causes |
If you have Raynaud's:
keep your home warm
wear warm clothes during cold weather, especially on your hands and feet
try to avoid sudden changes in temperature
exercise regularly – this helps improve circulation
try breathing exercises or yoga to help you relax
eat a healthy, balanced diet
do not smoke – improve your circulation by quitting smoking
do not have too much caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola and chocolate) – it may trigger the symptoms of Raynaud's
If you have Raynaud's and your symptoms are very bad or getting worse, a GP may prescribe a medicine to help improve your circulation. For example, you may be offered nifedipine, which is used to treat high blood pressure.
Some people need to take this medicine every day. Others only use it to prevent Raynaud's, for example, during cold weather.
A GP may arrange tests if they think Raynaud's could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
SRUK is a charity for people with scleroderma or Raynaud's.
