Raynaud Disease

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Raynaud (ray-NOD) disease is a disorder that affects blood circulation, usually in the hands and feet. This disorder causes the arteries (blood vessels) that carry blood to your fingers, toes, ears, or nose to tighten. This is often triggered by cold or emotional stress. The decrease in blood flow causes the skin to turn pale, blue, and then red. Over time, ulcers (sores) or gangrene (tissue death) may develop if you have secondary Raynaud.
  
  
• Raynaud disease can be primary (no underlying diseases) or secondary (with underlying diseases or causes). Primary Raynaud, also known as Raynaud disease, is more common and is often milder than secondary Raynaud. It often affects women and occurs before the age of 30. Secondary Raynaud is also known as Raynaud phenomenon. There is no known cause of primary Raynaud. Factors, causing secondary Raynaud, include trauma caused by using vibrating tools, certain medicines, smoking, and illicit (street) drugs. Certain diseases, such as Scleroderma, Lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis may also cause a secondary Raynauld disease.
  
  
• Raynaud disease is diagnosed based on the symptom of having skin color changes. It may also be diagnosed if you have certain other diseases, such as Scleroderma. Blood tests, nail fold capillary (tiny blood vessels) tests, or ultrasound of the arteries may also be done. There is no cure yet for Raynaud disease. Caregivers may tell you to avoid things or situations that may trigger an attack. Medicines and surgery may also help decrease attacks and control symptoms. With secondary Raynaud, surgery may need to be done if affected parts have become gangrenous. Gangrene is a disease of dead tissue that is due to loss of blood supply. With treatment, such as medicines, your symptoms may be controlled and your quality of life improved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Ask your caregiver for medicines that you can safely take if you have high blood pressure, headaches, or colds.
  
  

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Skin care:

• Avoid putting too much pressure on your fingertips, such as using a manual typewriter or playing the piano. This kind of pressure may cause your blood vessels to narrow and trigger an attack.
  
  
• Check your feet and hands daily for numb areas, thinning or thickening skin, black spots, cracks, brittle nails, or ulcers. You should also check for signs and symptoms of infection.
  
  
• Keep your skin clean and dry to keep from getting an infection. Use lotion with lanolin on hands and feet to keep the skin from drying or cracking.

What can I do to prevent a Raynaud disease attack?

• Avoid cold temperatures when possible: You may wear gloves, scarves, or garments during the winter months or before going into cold rooms.
  
  
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol: Different people have different ideas about what too much means. It is important to remember that how often you drink is as important as how much you drink. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol.
  
  
• Avoid food or beverages that have caffeine: You may drink decaffeinated coffee, tea, or soda pop.
  
  
• Avoid medicines that can trigger an attack: Talk to your caregiver first before using medicines that may trigger an attack. These include certain medicines used for treating high blood pressure, headaches, cancer, or colds.
  
  
• Exercise regularly: This prevents narrowing of the blood vessels and increases blood flow in your body.
  
  
• Learn to control stress: Since stress is hard to avoid, try new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, or biofeedback. Biofeedback is a special way to control how your body reacts to things like stress or pain.
  
  
• Stop smoking: Stay away from cigarette or tobacco smoke. Talk to your caregiver about information on how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

What should I do during a Raynaud disease attack? When you are exposed to cold or a stressful situation and an attack begins, always stay calm and relaxed.

• Get inside to warm yourself.
  
  
• Wiggle your fingers or toes, or swing your arms around to increase circulation. Massaging the affected parts may also help.
  
  
• Place your hands under your armpits or run warm water over the affected area. Do not place the affected part in direct contact with hot water or a hot water bottle. This will prevent injury to the affected parts, which may not be able to feel that the water is hot.
  
  
• Get yourself out of the stressful situation if possible. Deep breathing, meditating, or biofeedback may help decrease stress.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have new symptoms since the last time you visited your caregiver.
  
  
• Your symptoms prevent you from doing your daily activities.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your disorder, care, or medicine.
  
  
• You need help to quit smoking or drinking.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have many attacks even if you prevent cold, stress, or other triggers.
  
  
• You have pain in your fingers or toes that does not go away or gets worse.
  
  
• You have sores or ulcers on the tips of your fingers or toes that do not heal.
  
  
• You have black spots on your fingers or toes.
  
  
• Your hands or feet remain cold or discolored even after warming.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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