The most effective treatment plan for Raynaud's phenomenon employs a multifaceted approach. This includes preventive care aimed at minimizing the risk factors and underlying causes of Raynaud's phenomenon. Preventive measures include regular medical care to monitor for and treat high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Treatment includes diet and lifestyle changes and may include a smoking cessation program, medications, such as cholesterol lowering medications, antihypertensive drugs, and drugs that lower blood sugar. Treatment also includes diagnosing and treating any underlying causes, such as scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Meticulous foot and skin care is also important for people with Raynaud's phenomenon in order to prevent the development of lesions and infections. This includes keeping skin and feet clean, warm, and dry. Avoiding injury to the feet and wearing shoes that are comfortable and protective is also key. A person with Raynaud's phenomenon should also inspect their feet daily and seek prompt medical care for any sores or ulcers that develop.
Treatment also includes avoiding situations that trigger symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. These include avoiding the cold or protecting your hands and feet from cold temperatures. Using hand and foot warmers is a good idea in cold temperature. It is also important to minimize and address stress with lifestyle interventions, such as exercise or meditation. If certain medications are causing symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon, they may need to be adjusted or changed. However, it is very important not to change or discontinue medications without consulting with your physician.
Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon includes moving to a warmer spot when symptoms occur, soaking the hands and feet in warm water, and wiggling the fingers and toes.
Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon that does not respond to lifestyle interventions may include medications that keep the blood vessels open, such as calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, prescription skin creams, and ACE inhibitors. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to block the nerves that control the capillaries to prevent them from spasming and constricting.
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Raynaud's phenomenon includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
Alternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed as possibly helpful for Raynaud's phenomenon may include:
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The aims of treatment are to reduce the number and severity of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes. Most doctors are conservative in treating patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon; that is, they recommend nondrug treatments and self-help measures first. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, usually those with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, patients are treated for any underlying disease or condition that causes secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Nondrug Treatments and Self-Help Measures
Several nondrug treatments and self-help measures can decrease the severity of Raynaud's attacks and promote overall well-being.
Treatment With Medications
People with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon are more likely than those with the primary form to be treated with medications. Many doctors believe that the most effective and safest drugs are calcium-channel blockers, which relax smooth muscle and dilate the small blood vessels. These drugs decrease the frequency and severity of attacks in about two-thirds of patients who have primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. These drugs also can help heal skin ulcers on the fingers or toes.
Other patients have found relief with drugs called alpha blockers that counteract the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. Some doctors prescribe a nonspecific vasodilator (drug that relaxes blood vessels), such as nitroglycerine paste, which is applied to the fingers, to help heal skin ulcers. Patients should keep in mind that the treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon is not always successful. Often, patients with the secondary form will not respond as well to treatment as those with the primary form of the disorder.
Patients may find that one drug works better than another. Some people may experience side effects that require stopping the medication. For other people, a drug may become less effective over time. Women of childbearing age should know that the medications used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon may affect the growing fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should avoid taking these medications if possible.
Self-Help Reminders
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Patients with primary Raynaud's are taught how to prevent attacks (see below). In patients with secondary Raynaud's, doctors first treat the underlying cause. Vasodilators--drugs that help relax artery walls to improve blood flow--may be prescribed for patients with secondary Raynaud's or primary Raynaud's that resists other forms of therapy.
Are there ways to prevent
attacks?
Yes. People suffering from Raynaud's should protect
themselves from cold and keep all parts of their body warm--not just their
extremities. Outdoors in winter, they should wear scarves, warm socks and boots,
and mittens or gloves under mittens because gloves alone allow heat to escape.
People with Raynaud's should also wear wristlets to close the space between the
sleeve and mitten. Indoors, people should wear socks and comfortable shoes. When
taking food out of the refrigerator or freezer, they should wear mittens, oven
mitts, or pot holders.
Patients with Raynaud's should guard against cuts, bruises, and other injuries to the affected areas. Activities such as sewing may have to be limited.
Patients who smoke should quit. Doctors may also adjust medications if the drugs appear to be responsible for the symptoms.
After several sessions of training, patients can often prevent or stop attacks using biofeedback, a technique in which patients are taught to "think" their fingers or toes warm.
It is important for persons who suspect they have Raynaud's to talk with their personal physicians. The doctor can give advice on the best ways to manage and treat the problem. (Source: excerpt from NHLBI, Raynaud's Phenomenon: NHLBI)
Treatment is aimed at reducing the number and severity of attacks and preventing tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes. Most doctors are conservative in treating patients with primary and secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon; that is, they recommend nondrug treatments and self-help measures first. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, usually those with secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. In addition, patients are treated for any underlying disease or condition that causes secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. (Source: excerpt from Raynauds Phenomenon: NWHIC)
Do not ignore an attack of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Run warm water over your hands and/or feet. Also, relax. Biofeedback can also be used to minimize length and severity. Preventing attacks is aided by keeping your extremities warm, not smoking, controlling stress and getting more exercise. (Source: excerpt from Raynauds Phenomenon: NWHIC)
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