Monthly Archives: March 2023

Raynaud's condition affects around 10 million in the United Kingdom every year, with Raynaud's syndrome symptoms varying from mild to severe depending on the number of digits involved. It's a highly prevalent, yet largely misunderstood, phenomenon.

In this piece, we'll be discussing some of the realities and misconceptions around it.

What is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a vasospastic condition in which the blood vessels within the fingers and toes narrow after exposure to cold or stress. Approximately one in every twenty people will develop Raynaud's at some time throughout their lives, although only 5% will need treating.

The condition was named following Dr. Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud (1834 - 1881), identifying it in 1862. "Everytime that she went out during weather at all cool, the nose, chin, cheeks, hands and feet became pale. They passed then to a violet ting, then to a slaty white,” he wrote in his thesis.

What Causes Raynaud's Phenomenon?

The disorder, Raynaud's phenomenon (otherwise known as secondary Raynaud’s syndrome), involves the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, but it can affect the knees and joints as well. It's a result of the blood flow to these places being diminished or obstructed because of low temperatures or stressors. The fingers and toes can turn white or blue, which dissipates as blood supply restarts. When the blood vessels contract, there may be a painful feeling known as "pinching" in more severe cases.

Raynaud's can also cause a reduction in blood supply to the ears, which can result in tinnitus, a ringing sound.

It's a cycle in which the veins and arteries that transport blood to the extremities contract and then dilate. This process normally occurs when someone is chilly or anxious, but it's more prevalent and severe in individuals with Raynaud's.

How is it Different to Raynaud’s Disease?

Raynaud’s disease, otherwise known as Primary Raynaud’s, is common, has no known cause, but is generally less severe. In