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The disorder known as Raynaud’s Phenomenon involves frequent
spasms and constriction or narrowing of the vessels in the fingers
and toes. This affliction is seen more commonly in women that it
is in men. Often there is no identifiable cause for this condition.
It is sometimes seen in those with connective tissue disease or
central nervous system disorders. Symptoms are precipitated by
exposure to cold temperatures, smoking, or emotional stress.
When an attack occurs, numbness or tingling in the affected fingers
or toes may be experienced along with color changes in the tissues.
Usually, patients experience skin pallor followed by a blue discoloration
and then reddening of the areas involved. The length of time symptoms
are experienced varies from patient to patient. Improvement may
be seen with slow warming of the extremities.
Those who experience Raynaud’s Phenomenon should stop smoking,
avoid exposure to cold temperatures, and those stressful situations
which may precipitate the onset of symptoms. Treatment may include
analgesics for pain management and calcium channel blockers to
relieve the constriction of the affected vessels.
