Experiences with
Raynaud's phenomenonCheck if it's Raynaud's
Raynaud's affects your blood circulation. When you're cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour.
Other symptoms can include:
- pain
- numbness
- pins and needles
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 brown or black 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.
Things you can do to help with Raynaud's
If you have Raynaud's:
keep your home warm
wear warm clothes during cold weather, especially on your hands and feet
try to avoid sudden changes in temperature
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 quitting smoking
do not have too much caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola and chocolate) – it may trigger the symptoms of Raynaud's
- you have symptoms of Raynaud's that are very bad or getting worse
- Raynaud's is affecting your daily life
- your symptoms are only on 1 side of your body
- you also have joint pain, skin rashes or muscle weakness
- you're over 30 years old and get symptoms of Raynaud's for the first time
- your child is under 12 years old and has symptoms of Raynaud's
Treatment for Raynaud's from a GP
If you have Raynaud's and your symptoms are very bad or getting worse, a GP may prescribe a medicine to help improve your circulation. For example, you may be offered 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.
SymptomsSelf-careMedical treatmentsThe main symptom of Raynaud's is your fingers and toes changing colour when you're cold or stressed. You may also have pain, numbness and tingling.
To help with symptoms of Raynaud's, keep warm, avoid sudden changes in temperature, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and do not smoke.
If you have severe Raynaud's a GP may prescribe medicine to improve your circulation. You may have tests to check if it's a sign of another condition.
Related links
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