Raynaud's affects your blood circulation. It causes some areas of your body to feel cold, sore or numb, or change colour.
If you have Raynaud's, your fingers or toes may change colour when you're cold, anxious or stressed. They may also feel sore or numb.
You can help Raynaud's by keeping your hands and feet warm and finding ways to relax. Some people need medicine to help improve their circulation.
If you have Raynaud's, your fingers or toes may change colour when you're cold, anxious or stressed. They may also feel sore or numb.
Raynaud's affects your blood circulation. When you're cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour.
Other symptoms can include:
The skin may turn white or a lighter colour as blood flow is restricted
Sometimes the skin turns blue as blood vessels react
The skin may turn red as blood flow returns
Raynaud's may make your fingertips appear paler if you have dark skin
Some people also find that their ears, nose, lips or nipples are affected.
The symptoms of Raynaud's may last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Raynaud's is sometimes caused by another health condition, taking certain medicines, or working with vibrating tools for a long time.
You can help Raynaud's by keeping your hands and feet warm and finding ways to relax. Some people need medicine to help improve their circulation.
keep your home warm
wear warm clothes during cold weather, especially on your hands and feet
exercise regularly – this helps improve circulation
try breathing exercises or yoga to help you relax
eat a healthy, balanced diet
do not smoke – improve your circulation by stopping smoking
do not have too much caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola and chocolate) – it may trigger the symptoms of Raynaud's
If your symptoms are very bad or getting worse, a GP may prescribe a medicine to help improve your circulation, such as nifedipine, which is used to treat high blood pressure.
Some people need to take this medicine every day. Others only use it to prevent Raynaud's – for example, during cold weather.
A GP may arrange tests if they think Raynaud's could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.