Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon (usually just called Raynaud's) is a common condition of the blood vessels that supply blood to the skin.

During a Raynaud's attack, the blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow to the hands. This causes the fingers to become cold and white, with a feeling of pins and needles and numbness. The fingers eventually turn blue and then red, and they are sometimes painful.

Types of Raynaud's

There are two types of Raynaud's. It can either be:

• primary - the most common form of the condition, where there is no apparent cause, or
• secondary - where the condition is associated with another, underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis (swelling and pain in the joints).

How common is Raynaud's?

In the UK, Raynaud's is thought to affect as many as 10 million people. However, it is difficult to determine an exact figure for the incidence of Raynaud's because many people with the condition are unaware that it has a name, or that it can be treated. Therefore, they do not go to see their GP about it.

Raynaud's is much more common in women than it is in men. The condition can affect people of all ages, although it usually develops before a person is 40 years of age.

Outlook

The symptoms of Raynaud's are usually mild, and they do not tend to affect day-to-day life. Even in more severe cases of Raynaud's, the condition can usually be successfully managed with medication. Sometimes, the condition disappears without treatment.

Glossary

Blood vessels

Blood vessels are the tubes in which blood travels to and from parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are veins, arteries and capillaries

Numbness

Numbness is a lack of sensation in a part of the body

Disease

A disease is an illness or condition that interferes with normal body functions