Raynaud’s syndrome: Information & treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome

In Raynaud’s syndrome, the fingers or toes suddenly become cold or numb. The fingers are more commonly affected.

Disorders in the small blood vessels reduce the blood supply to the extremities. As well as numbness and coldness, the affected extremities may also experience

• paleness,
• a bluish discolouration or
• redness

may also occur in the affected limbs. Not least for this reason, Raynaud’s syndrome is also referred to as a condition characterised by the so-called ‘tricolour phenomenon’. Tricolour simply means ‘three-coloured’. The condition is named after the French doctor Maurice Raynaud, who first described it in the 19th century. 

A distinction is made between two different forms of this condition:

In primary Raynaud’s syndrome, the cause cannot be definitively determined. Younger women are particularly affected. Statistically speaking, women are five times more likely to suffer from this condition than men. It particularly affects women aged between 20 and 40.

Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome is a consequence of other medical conditions. For example, it can occur in cases of

• rheumatism
• an overdose of certain medicines
• injuries
• illnesses or
• hereditary factors

can lead to this condition.

How common is Raynaud’s syndrome?

Epidemiology: Estimates of the exact prevalence and aetiology of Raynaud’s phenomenon vary depending on the study – but it is clear that young women are particularly affected.

In this condition, the fingers and toes suddenly turn pale and appear bloodless. Bluish discolouration and pain may also occur. Numbness and other abnormal sensations are also possible.

In the primary form, these attacks last around 30 minutes. However, they can also last longer. Once the attacks subside, the skin may become red.

In the case of primary Raynaud’s syndrome, the symptoms usually occur in both hands and feet. In the secondary form, however, often only one side is affected.

In principle, there is a risk that these spasms may persist over a longer period of time. In such cases, there is a risk of further damage, particularly to the skin – in rare, severe cases, even ulcers on the fingertips or necrosis. However, these complications are more likely to occur in the secondary form.

In such cases, additional symptoms such as skin swelling or changes to the blood vessels may also occur.

Summary of common symptoms:

• Paleness 
• Bluish discolouration 
• Pain
• Cold limbs
• Skin redness
• Damage to tissue and blood vessels
• Swelling of the skin

There are established diagnostic criteria: the doctor can already gain an initial indication through a physical examination and the patients’ descriptions of their symptoms. For example, they will ask when the abnormal sensations occur or how long they last. Furthermore, the suspicion can be further confirmed by a number of tests.

One effective method is the fist-clenching test, which can provide an indication of blood flow. Furthermore, a targeted examination of the arteries may be carried out, as well as an attempt to induce the symptoms through controlled exposure to cold.

If the treating doctor suspects secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, the investigations will be more extensive. For example, blood tests may provide an indication of one underlying condition or another. A thorough examination of the fingernails is also recommended, as typical signs may be visible in the nail fold.

As it involves a spontaneous constriction of the blood vessels, cold plays a major role in its development. However, there is another risk factor that is not unique to this condition: stress.

Ultimately, the exact causes of the primary form have not yet been definitively established. However, smoking and hormonal imbalances are considered to be further risk factors.

Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome can be triggered by various underlying conditions. For example, vascular diseases such as rheumatism, or neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), can play a role here.

Cancer can also cause it. The same applies to carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves the compression of nerves in the wrist area. Various autoimmune disorders and connective tissue diseases, such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), can also contribute to Raynaud’s phenomenon. 

Primary Raynaud’s syndrome does not, in principle, require any specific treatment. Symptomatic management is usually sufficient, which means that the symptoms are managed without any specific medical interventions, measures or medication. If your limbs feel cold, it can help to soak them in warm water – in general, it is advisable to protect yourself well against the cold in everyday life. Cold fingers can also be warmed in the armpit.

Stress can also be a cause of Raynaud’s syndrome. It is therefore advisable to make a consistent effort to reduce stress. Specialised programmes, such as those focusing on targeted muscle relaxation, can be helpful here. Massages and moving the limbs are also effective methods, as they stimulate blood circulation.

To treat secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, the first step is to identify the underlying condition. Once the doctor has diagnosed it, targeted treatment can be provided.

Medicines that cause vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels) may also be prescribed. If wounds have already developed as a result of tissue necrosis, these are treated.

Surgery to block certain nerves is indicated, particularly in more severe cases of the condition.

An overview of possible treatment methods:

• Stress reduction
• Massages and moving the affected limbs
• Soaking the limbs in warm water
• Medication
• Surgery

Primary Raynaud’s syndrome is not dangerous, and the spasmodic attacks tend to diminish with age. Quality of life is not significantly impaired.

The course of secondary Raynaud’s syndrome is somewhat more complicated. In such cases, the underlying condition must first be treated and any damage addressed. In extreme cases, tissue damage may necessitate amputation, although this is relatively rare.