Raynaud's Disease

Overview

Raynaud's disease is a rare condition affecting the blood vessels commonly the fingers and toes. It causes the blood vessels to constrict and narrow during cold weather or under any form of stress.

Signs and Symptoms

Cold fingers or toes , Color changes in your skin , Numbness, Prickly feeling , Stinging pain

Common Causes

Connective tissue diseases (systemic sclerosis, scleroderma), Diseases of the blood vessels (Nitric oxide deficiency), Certain medications including beta blockers, Nerve processing dysfuction

Risk Factors

Female, Between the ages of 15 and 30, Cold climate, Family history, Associated diseases include conditions such as scleroderma and lupus, Certain occupations (vibration injury, PVC exposure).

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Blood urea nitrogen, Creatinine, Prothrombin time Activated partial thromboplastin time, Serum glucose, Thyroid-stimulating hormone, Antinuclear antibody, Rheumatoid factor, Hepatitis panel Heavy metal screen, Serum protein and urine electrophoresis

Treatment and Prevention

Alpha-1 blockers , Topical nitroglycerin ointment , Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers , Other vasodilators (Losartan, Iloprost) , Sympathectomy , Chemical injection

Psychological Issues

Stress , Anxiety