Understanding Raynauds Syndrome

Raynauds Syndrome is a disorder of the peripheral blood vessels in hands and feet, although it can impact ears, lips, nipples and nose. It is considered by the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, to be a rare disease, affecting only 3% of the population. Ninety percent of patients with scleroderma have Raynauds and around 30% of patients with lupus have it. This painful disease manifests itself by causing blanching and bluing of fingers and toes, accompanied by numbness. There are two recognized forms of Raynauds according to Mayo Clinic online. Primary Raynauds is called Raynauds Disease. It affects women more than men. The cause is little known, but there are some predisposing factors:

Smoking

Cold weather or cold water

Stress

Prolonged, repetitive movements, seen in typing, prolonged piano playing or some forms of factory work

Prolonged usage of vibratory tools

Family history

In Primary Raynauds Disease there is no underlying factor. In secondary Raynauds there are certain diseases that can trigger it off.

Lupus

Scleroderma

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sjogrens Syndrome

Arterial disease

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Injury caused by repetitive movements

Familial history

Injury

Medications

Environmental causes such as vinyl chloride

Many medications used to treat high blood pressure can exacerbate or bring on an attack: beta blockers, estrogen, ergotamine based drugs used primarily to treat migraines, vasoconstricting drugs and certain chemotherapeutic drugs. Some over the counter antihistamine products are implicated as well.

With Primary Raynauds disease,symptoms usually develop between the ages of 15-30, while the secondary form usually has a later onset, about 35- 40 years old. Though Raynauds is not disabling, it is highly uncomfortable to live with. Patients who suffer these vasospasms need to be vigilant about keeping extremities warm and active. Routine inspection of fingers and toes can prevent a small ulceration from becoming infected. In very severe cases of Raynauds, amputation due to complete loss of circulation has occurred.

Diagnosing Primary Raynauds can be done in the doctors office using a fairly simple test. Called the nail bend test, the doctor folds a piece of skin at the base of the nail back, adds a drop of oil and examines it under a microscope. If present, there will be signs of deformed or damaged capillaries. Secondary Raynauds will not show itself through this test. However, if an autoimmune disorder is present, then checking a patients ANA and other tests will show activity. I know from my own experience with Raynauds, that it flares up when I'm out of remission or under stress of some sort.

During a flare, fingers turn white and the tips blue. It stings then goes numb, which feels just like frostbite. It helps to run your hands under warm water, flexing them gently. These spasms can be fairly brief, or in more serious episodes, last over an hour. According to Web MD, you can do some things to avoid or minimize flares. Exercise regularly. If you sit for long periods of time, or you have been out in cold weather, get up and walk around often. Move your toes while sitting, and try and avoid prolonged typing or piano playing. Try and not expose your hands and feet to severe cold. Even handling frozen foods can bring on an attack. Grab a potholder to remove freezer items. Don't place your feet or hands in cold water or snow.

Wear wool rather than cotton socks, and make certain they fit easily, so they don't constrict your circulation. I noticed that the more stressed I get, the more chilled I get. So, a warm shower can be helpful in keeping Raynauds in check. If these things don't reduce the attacks, your physician may want to prescribe a calcium channel blocker, which helps reduce vasoconstriction. Currently Viagra is one of a few drugs being tried to increase blood flow to impacted areas. Ticlid, an anticoagulant is another. In the supplements, gingko biloba is being looked at. Many alternative medicine fans claim that taking 500 mg of hawthorn daily helps increase blood flow. If you are experiencing Raynauds, you might want to ak your doctor if trying these would be helpful.

Dealing with Raynauds is really more a matter of prevention and prudence. Being aware of your body, avoiding known triggers such as cold, caffeine and smoking, will go a long way towards avoiding flareups, for those with the primary form. Those of us who have the secondary form, need to be watchful for ulcerations that can develop that can cause long term damage. This is one disease you can control, to a great extent, how often you experience these attacks. With care, Raynauds will seldom trouble you. And for those of us who deal with the more serious effects of our primary diseases, that's a very good thing!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/raynauds-disease/DS00433/DSECTION=causes

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Raynauds_Phenomenon/default.asp

http://arthritis.webmd.com/tc/raynauds-phenomenon-topic-overview With care