Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease causes areas of your body, such as your fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. This happens because smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.
Overview
Raynaud's disease causes areas of your body, such as your fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. This happens because smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.
Symptoms
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Causes
- •Abnormal nerve control of blood vessel diameter
- •Hyper-reactivity to cold temperatures
- •Emotional stress or anxiety
Risk factors
- •Female gender
- •Living in colder climates
- •Family history of Raynaud's
- •Occupational exposure to vibrating tools
How it progresses
3 stages- OnsetSymptoms appear, often triggered by a known cause.Often missed
- Active phaseSymptoms peak; self-care or short treatment usually helps.
- ResolutionSymptoms ease over days to weeks with proper care.
How it's diagnosed
- •Physical examination of skin changes
- •Cold stimulation test
- •Nailfold capillaroscopy
- •Blood tests to rule out autoimmune conditions
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •Calcium channel blockers to relax blood vessels
- •Vasodilator medications
- •Treatment of underlying conditions (Secondary Raynaud's)
- •Wearing gloves or thick socks indoors and out
- •Using hand warmers during winter months
- •Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- •Running hands under warm water during an attack
- •Avoiding triggers like cold and vibration
Complications
- •Reduced quality of life
- •Worsening symptoms over time
- •Recurrence of raynaud's disease
Prevention
- •Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- •See a clinician for routine check-ups
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to raynaud's disease
- Scores or ulcers on the skin of fingers or toes
- Signs of skin infection in affected areas
- Extreme pain that does not resolve with warmth
- Changes in skin color that do not go away
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Raynaud's Disease cause headaches?
- ›Is Raynaud's Disease reversible?
- ›How quickly does Raynaud's Disease progress?
- ›Is Raynaud's Disease hereditary?
- ›Can Raynaud's Disease be prevented?
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Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Raynaud's Disease include Abnormal nerve control of blood vessel diameter, Hyper-reactivity to cold temperatures, Emotional stress or anxiety.
Raynaud's Disease is generally mild, but severity can vary. Seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Some milder cases may improve with rest and self-care. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026