Raynaud's Awareness Month

February is Raynaud’s awareness month

Raynaud’s is a condition that causes a shortage of blood flow to the extremities: the fingers, toes, nose, and ears. This condition causes changes in colour to the affected area, from white and blue, to bright red as blood flows back to the affected area. Raynaud’s cause is still unknown, there are no definite tests to confirm a diagnosis and no cure has been developed for it yet. 

It was initially discovered by a French Doctor, Maurice Raynaud in the 1860s. The condition was named after the Doctor himself. 

Scleroderma & Raynaud’s U.K., millions of U.K. adults have no knowledge of Raynaud’s. With this low level of awareness, many people can be living with Raynaud’s and related symptoms without knowing it. They estimate it affects 1 in 6 people in the UK.

You are more likely to have Raynaud's if you are female and live in colder temperatures.

Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s

·       You may notice that you often have cold fingers and toes.

·       A potentially painful change in colour and temperature in reaction to even slight changes in temperature. There is also evidence to suggest     that stress is a trigger for a Raynaud’s ‘attack’ or ‘flare.’

·       Colour changes in the skin at the affected areas, usually white, then blue/ purple and then red as the blood returns to the extremity.

·       Numbness, tingling and/or pain during the attack. 

·       Often stinging and throbbing pains as the areas warm up or on stress relief.  

These symptoms can last for a few minutes, up to a few hours.

Diagnosis

If you are concerned that you may have Raynaud’s, it is worthwhile visiting your GP. Your GP will usually be able to diagnose you by signs and symptoms of the condition alone, although further blood tests and non-invasive investigations may be carried out if necessary. There is currently no definitive test to diagnose the condition.

There are two types of Raynaud’s, therefore it is important for your GP to determine what type you may have;

·       Primary Raynaud’s; This is the most common type. Anyone of any age can develop Raynaud’s and it is commonly passed on through families in mild, manageable forms where there is no underlying cause/ condition.

·       Secondary Raynaud’s; is caused by an underlying condition, usually autoimmune in nature. This type is much less common and may require closer monitoring and treatment, such as medication.

How Can I Manage My Symptoms?

It is important to manage and prevent symptoms from occurring to avoid having, cold painful hands and feet.

·       Knowing your triggers and being proactive to prevent an attack.

·       Wear multiple thin layers of socks or gloves to trap heat more effectively. Bamboo socks can be more effective at retaining heat than standard cotton socks. If your socks get cold or damp, change them as soon as possible.

.       Thermal clothing can help keep you warmer.

·       Keep moving – if you can, keep your body moving i.e. getting up from your work space and walk around the house or office every hour to keep the blood circulating effectively to the fingers and toes.

·       Wear slippers or warm socks at home, especially in colder months.

.      If you smoke, make every effort to stop. You can speak to your nurse or GP regarding help to do this.

.      Try to gradually warm up if you get cold. Although, tempting, warming up quickly can increase symptoms.

DON’T

·       Try not to warm your feet or hands up too quickly with hot water bottles, electric blankets, hot baths or putting your feet close to heat sources, this is more likely to cause pain and can cause chilblains.

In severe cases medication can be prescribed by your GP to help manage your symptoms.

Podiatrists can;

·       Provide you with help and advice regarding your concerns.

·       Assess and test your circulation, to see if there are any underlying problems.

·       They can also look at your skin and treat any Raynaud’s related conditions such as Chilblains.

·       They can make Thermoplastic insoles for your shoes to insulate the shoes better and retain heat. 

·       Give you advice on different frostbite prevention creams that can sooth the skin and protect it against the cold, also preventing the likelihood of chilblains etc.

·       Liaise with your GP if you need onward referral for medications to help manage your condition.

.       Some (like ourselves) can offer Warm Wax treatments which are perfect for warming feet up and improving the condition of the skin.

If you would like more information about Raynaud's, follow this link to Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK.

https://www.sruk.co.uk