RAYNAUD'S SYNDROME

What is it?

In Raynaud's syndrome your fingers, and sometimes your toes, suddenly turn white or blue and blotchy from time to time.

What causes it?

It is caused by the blood vessels which take blood to the fingers going into spasm. This narrows the blood vessel so not so much blood can get through. This is often because the fingers get cold although stress is another quite common cause. As the fingers warm up the spasm goes away by itself. Sometimes Raynaud's syndrome is caused by another disease like inflammation or blockage of the blood vessels.

Who gets it?

You are much more likely to get Raynaud's syndrome if you are a girl or young woman - it often cures itself as you get older. You are also more prone to Raynaud's syndrome if your job involves using vibrating tools like a pneumatic drill or if you smoke.

What are the symptoms?

You will probably first notice that the fingers of both your hands tend to get very pale when they get cold and then go blue and blotchy. You will probably get numbness, tingling and a burning sensation when this happens. As your hands warm up they may go very red and they may get very painful at this stage. Sometimes your fingers will be so sensitive to the cold that you will avoid doing anything that might risk them getting cold.

When should I go to my GP?

You should make a routine appointment with your GP if your symptoms are interfering with your everyday life and you cannot keep them under control just by avoiding the cold.

What tests will my GP do?

If you are completely well otherwise, your GP may not need to do any tests apart from examining your hands and circulation. He might want to take blood samples.

What is the treatment?

If another illness is giving you Raynaud's syndrome this will need to be treated separately. For Raynaud's syndrome itself, the short-term treatment is mostly common sense -measures like always wearing warm gloves and avoiding anything that brings on your symptoms. If you smoke you should stop straight away. Sometimes tablets can help.

Will I need long-term treatment?

This depends partly on whether you have another illness causing you to have Raynaud's syndrome. If you don't you are unlikely to get any complications. You will probably only need long- term treatment if symptoms are particularly bad or get worse over the years.

How can I stop it getting worse?

It is very important to stop smoking. You should also make sure that you always keep your hands warm - wearing silk gloves inside woollen ones in cold weather for instance.

Will I need regular check-ups?

Unless you take tablets for your Raynaud's syndrome you will only need to go back to the doctor if your symptoms get worse.

Will I have to go to hospital?

You will only need to be referred to hospital if you have another illness or if your symptoms get very bad. Very rarely Raynaud's syndrome can damage the circulation permanently and then you may need an operation.