Raynaud (HB)

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Raynaud’s is a problem that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. In some cases, it also causes less blood flow to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. This happens due to spasms of blood vessels in those areas. The spasms happen in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset.
Raynaud’s can occur on its own or it may happen along with other diseases (autoimmune or connective tissue).

Signs and Symptoms

Affected areas may feel cool and numb (or painful) and the color may change, becoming pale or cyanotic. When blood flow returns the affected areas may flush red.

Prevention

There is not really prevention for it—there are some drugs that can be prescribed if the Raynaud’s occurs on its own.

Treatment

Our concern with Raynaud’s is the lack of blood flow to the fingers and toes (or other exposed tissue). In a cold environment, this can accelerate the potential for frostnip or frostbite.