A common condition where the fingers or toes change colour in the cold, usually harmless but occasionally a clue to an underlying autoimmune condition
Raynaud's phenomenon is a common condition in which the small blood vessels in the fingers or toes overreact to cold or stress, temporarily reducing blood flow. This causes the affected areas to change colour, often white, then blue, then red as the blood returns. For most people it is harmless, but in some it can be a sign of an underlying condition, which is why assessment is sometimes worthwhile.
Written for patients and reviewed by Dr Liubov Borukhson, Consultant Rheumatologist (GMC 7021928).
Raynaud's tends to follow a recognisable pattern. Features include:
Raynaud's most often occurs on its own and is not associated with any other condition. However, it is worth a specialist review if it begins later in life, is severe or only affects one side, causes skin damage, or comes alongside other symptoms such as joint pain, rashes or difficulty swallowing, as these can occasionally point to an underlying autoimmune condition.
Assessment includes your history, an examination and blood tests for particular antibodies, which help separate harmless Raynaud's from the less common situations that need further attention.
For most people, simple measures to keep warm and protect the hands and feet from cold are the mainstay, and these are often very effective. Where symptoms are troublesome, treatment to improve blood flow can help. If an underlying condition is found, that is managed in its own right. The approach is tailored to you.
While Raynaud's is usually harmless, a specialist review provides reassurance where it is uncomplicated, and identifies the small number of cases where it signals something that needs attention. If your Raynaud's is new, severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it is worth getting checked.
A specialist assessment can offer reassurance where Raynaud's is uncomplicated, and identify the few cases that point to an underlying condition
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