What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which there are spasms, constriction and narrowing of the capillaries of the fingers ...more »

• Raynaud's phenomenon: Blood vessel constriction attacks affecting fingers and/or toes.
• Raynaud's phenomenon: WHAT: Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's Phenomenon: the paroxysmal constriction of the small arteries and arterioles of the hands or feet, usually precipitated by cold or emotional upset, resulting in pallor and cyanosis of the fingers or toes following a characteristic pattern. WHY: Raynaud's phenomenon may occur in mixed connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive systemic sclerosis, poly- myositis/dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis associated with Sjogren's syndrome. HOW: In Raynaud's phenomenon there are three classic color changes of the fingers or toes. First, vasoconstriction results in a white blanching of the fingertips. Second, vasodilatation with sludging of vascular flow follows and results in blue, cyanotic digits. Finally, with recovery, there is increased blood flow with resulting erythema of the fingers. With observation of two of the three color changes, Raynaud's phenomenon is considered present. Local body cooling (by placing the hands in ice cold water) may demonstrate Raynaud's phenomenon, but some cases require general body cooling before the characteristic color phases occur. Permanent tissue damage can be induced by this testing, which therefore must be done only when absolutely necessary. If the digits show persistent cyanosis or there is evidence of pre-existing necrosis, performing this test is especially hazardous. One or more digits may be involved in Raynaud's phenomenon, and this involvement may be unilateral. REFS: 1) Spittell, JA: "Raynaud's phenomenon and allied vasospastic disorders". In Juergens, JL et al. (eds.): Peripheral Vascular Diseases, pp. 555-83. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 1980. 2) Porter, JM; Snider, RL; Bardana, EJ; Rosch, J and Eidemiller, LR: The diagnosis and treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon. Surgery 77:11, 1975. DN19300-3.
  Source - Diseases Database

Raynaud's phenomenon: Introduction

Types of Raynaud's phenomenon:

Types of Raynaud's phenomenon:

• Primary Raynaud's phenomenon - most common form; of unknown causes without an underlying cause.
• Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon - caused by another condition such as lupus or scleroderma.
• Vibration-induced white finger - caused by vibrating tools
• more types...»

Broader types of Raynaud's phenomenon:

• Blood vessel conditions
• Nose conditions
• Pain conditions
• Circulatory system conditions
• Limb conditions
• Hand conditions
• Foot conditions
• Skin conditions
• more types...»

How many people get Raynaud's phenomenon?

Prevalance of Raynaud's phenomenon: 5-10% (NIAMS estimate). Scleroderma-related disorders including Raynaud's phenomenon between 250,000 and 992,500.
Prevalance Rate of Raynaud's phenomenon: approx 1 in 20 or 5.00% or 13.6 million people in USA [about data]
Prevalance of Raynaud's phenomenon: Although estimates vary, recent surveys show that Raynaud's phenomenon may affect 5 to 10 percent of the general population in the United States. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers about Raynaud's Phenomenon: NIAMS) ... Although estimates vary, recent surveys show that Raynaud's phenomenon may affect 5 to 10 percent of the general population in the United States. (Source: excerpt from Raynauds Phenomenon: NWHIC)

Who gets Raynaud's phenomenon?

Patient Profile for Raynaud's phenomenon: Typically women 15-50. 75% are women aged 15-40. Any age possible.

Profile for Raynaud's phenomenon: Women are more likely than men to have the disorder. Raynaud's phenomenon appears to be more common in people who live in colder climates. However, people with the disorder who live in milder climates may have more attacks during periods of colder weather. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers about Raynaud's Phenomenon: NIAMS) ... Women between the ages of 15 and 50 are most often affected, but anyone can have the problem. It is not known for sure how many people suffer from these symptoms, but Raynaud's is a common problem. (Source: excerpt from NHLBI, Raynaud's Phenomenon: NHLBI)

Gender Profile for Raynaud's phenomenon: Women more than men.

Gender Profile for Raynaud's phenomenon: Women are more likely than men to have the disorder. (Source: excerpt from Raynauds Phenomenon: NWHIC)

Geography Profile for Raynaud's phenomenon: More common in cold climates.

Geography Profile for Raynaud's phenomenon: Raynaud’s phenomenon appears to be more common in people who live in colder climates. However, people with the disorder who live in milder climates may have more attacks during periods of colder weather. (Source: excerpt from Raynauds Phenomenon: NWHIC)

How serious is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Complications of Raynaud's phenomenon: see complications of Raynaud's phenomenon

What causes Raynaud's phenomenon?

Causes of Raynaud's phenomenon: see causes of Raynaud's phenomenon

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon?

Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon: see symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon

Complications of Raynaud's phenomenon: see complications of Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon: Testing

Diagnostic testing: see tests for Raynaud's phenomenon.

Misdiagnosis: see misdiagnosis and Raynaud's phenomenon.

How is it treated?

Doctors and Medical Specialists for Raynaud's phenomenon: Internist, Family Practice Physician ; see also doctors and medical specialists for Raynaud's phenomenon.
Treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon: see treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon
Alternative treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon: see alternative treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon
Prevention of Raynaud's phenomenon: see prevention of Raynaud's phenomenon
Research for Raynaud's phenomenon: see research for Raynaud's phenomenon

Organs Affected by Raynaud's phenomenon:

Organs and body systems related to Raynaud's phenomenon include:

• Blood vessels
• Fingers
• Toes
• Hands
• Feet
• Nose
• Lips
• Earlobes

Name and Aliases of Raynaud's phenomenon

Main name of condition: Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's, Raynaud's disease, idiopathic Raynaud's phenomenon, primary Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud's phenomenon: Related Conditions

Research the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Raynaud's phenomenon:

• Tadalafil
• Cryoglobulinaemia
• Flowmotion patterns
• Laser-Doppler technique
• Spectral analysis
• Vasodilation

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