Raynaud's disease causes your fingers or toes to respond to cold temperatures or stress by turning white to blue, then red as blood flow returns to the extremities. The condition is caused by blood vessels narrowing and restricting blood flow.
Raynaud's disease is believed to be caused by oversensitivity to cold or stress. Although the fingers and toes are most commonly affected, it can also affect the ears, nose, lips, and nipples.
Discoloration of skin occurs due to reduced blood flow to the local tissues caused by the abnormal vessel spasms. Affected areas of the body initially turn white because of hypoxia and reduced blood flow. They then turn blue indicating cyanosis due to prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a flush phenomenon around the local area that turns the area red.
Women are more likely to have Raynaud's disease, and it is more common in people who live in colder climates.
The following conditions are often associated with Raynaud's disease:
- Frostbite
- Hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Drugs such as Blenoxane, ergotamine, and propranolol
What are the symptoms of Raynaud's disease?
Patients with mild form of Raynaud's disease may only notice skin discoloration upon cold exposure. If sustained blood vessel spasms occur, the sensory nerves become irritated by the lack of oxygen and can cause pain in the involved digits.
Signs of Raynaud's disease may include:
- Cold fingers or toes
- Skin discoloration
- Mild tingling and numbness
- Stinging pain
- Prickly sensations
How is Raynaud's disease treated?
Treatment of Raynaud’s disease depends on the severity of symptoms, as well as the person’s age and overall health. In most cases, symptoms can be managed conservatively:
- Limiting exposure to cold
- Keeping the extremities warm with gloves, socks, scarf, or hat
- Quitting smoking
- Wearing finger guards
- Protecting hands from trauma or vibrations
- Taking blood pressure medications such as vasodilators and calcium channel blockers during the winter months to help reduce blood vessel constriction
QUESTION
Medically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain? See Answerhttps://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331197-overview
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Frostbite (Frostnip)
There are two categories of cold weather-related injuries. 1) no freezing of body tissue (trench foot and chilblains), and 2) freezing of body tissues (frostbite). Chilblains in general, will not need medical attention (unless there is infection). Trench foot and frostbite, however, require medical attention. Symptoms of frostbite include pain, burning, numbness, and eventually a complete loss of sensation in the affected body part. The young, elderly, and patients with certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, circulatory problems, and psychiatric illnesses), are more susceptible to cold weather-related injuries. People who abuse alcohol and illicit drug user are also at risk for cold weather-related injuries.
Hip Bursitis
Bursitis of the hip results when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the hip becomes inflamed due to localized soft tissue trauma or strain. Symptoms include stiffness and pain around the hip joint. If the hip bursa is not infected, hip bursitis can be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain by the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle but may include constipation, memory loss, hair loss, and depression. There are a variety of causes of hypothyroidism, and treatment depends on the cause.
Hypoxia (Hypoxemia)
Hypoxia is a condition in which the normal concentration of oxygen in the blood is not enough for normal life functions. Symptoms of hypoxia and/or hypoxemia may be acute such as fast heart rate, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath; or severe symptoms include confusion, the inability to communicate, coma, and sometimes death. Treatment of hypoxia and/or hypoxemia is to provide supplemental oxygen to the body as soon as possible.
piracetam
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Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by a pale-blue-red sequence of color changes of the digits, most commonly after exposure to cold. Occurring as a result of spasms of blood vessels, the cause is unknown. Symptoms and signs of Raynaud's phenomenon depend on the severity, frequency, and duration of the blood vessel spasm. Treatments include protection of the digits, medications, and avoiding emotional stresses, smoking, cold temperature, and tools that vibrate the hands.
Skin Problems and Treatments: Causes of Skin Discoloration
Too much sun, certain diseases, and medication can change your skin color. Learn more about skin discoloration.
What Are Human Blood Vessels?
Blood vessels are small tube-like structures through which blood circulates throughout the human body. The blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs and remove carbon dioxide and waste away from the tissues and organs.
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
Skin discoloration may result from several factors, such as excessive sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, autoimmune diseases and genetics.