If you’ve ever wondered what Raynaud’s disease is, or you’ve recently been diagnosed and would like to know more about the condition, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we explore what causes Raynaud’s, symptoms, and what types of treatments, aids and support are available. First of all, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are many sources of support available to you and your family.

Any medical information provided here is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a medical professional. If you’re concerned that you may have any of the symptoms discussed below, please see your GP.

What is Raynaud’s disease?

Raynaud’s disease causes the extremities of the body to be ultra-sensitive to changes in temperature and stress. This causes these parts to change colour, such as blue or red. It’s extremely common in the UK with over 10 million people having been diagnosed with Raynaud’s. Many people live with Raynaud’s without ever seeing their doctor or receiving an official diagnosis. The symptoms can vary from person to person, with some people experiencing only mild symptoms, while others have more severe ones. The pain that symptoms of Raynaud’s cause can greatly affect daily life for many people.

Anyone can get Raynaud’s but it is common in young women and girls. Some people live with Raynaud’s for a while and then recover, while others can live with it for the rest of their lives from when it first develops. Around 10% of the population are thought to have Raynaud’s and 90% of these have the less severe type, called ‘primary Raynaud’s’.

What causes Raynaud’s?

There are two types of Raynaud’s, classified as primary or secondary. Primary Raynaud’s has no underlying health condition and occurs as a set of Raynaud’s symptoms only. Nobody knows for sure why Raynaud’s symptoms occur, or why some people experience them and others don’t, but it’s thought to be linked to how the body’s blood vessels are controlled by the nervous system.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease?

Everyone will experience Raynaud’s differently. Many people have it and just think they have poor circulation. It is rarely a life-affecting condition but some people do find their Raynaud’s symptoms cause regular pain and discomfort, making it severe for them. Raynaud’s symptoms may also be caused by other health conditions, such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus. If you think you may have any of the symptoms listed below, you should speak to your GP. They may be able to diagnose you, rule out other underlying health conditions and advise on self-care and treatments.

Common symptoms include:

• Skin colour changes to white, blue or red (or all three)
• Extremities feeling painful, numb or stiff
• Pins and needles
• Throbbing feeling
• Sensitivity to temperature changes

The colour change that often occurs with Raynaud’s is due to blood flow being restricted to the affected areas, which makes the skin turn white, and then blue because oxygen in that area of the skin is low. It then turns red when blood starts to flow back into the area again. The sensations, such as numbness, occur due to the blood vessels contracting or being in spasm, and the lack of initial blood flow, then the rush of blood back to the area.

People with severe Raynaud’s often experience the symptoms more intensely, for example:

• Extreme cold and heat when circulation comes and goes
• Constantly swollen hands
• Difficulty gripping or holding small items
• Extreme sensitivity to even slight temperature change
• Ulcers due to tissue damage may develop if Raynaud’s spasms are regular

What is the life expectancy of someone with Raynaud’s disease?

The life expectancy of someone with Raynaud's disease isn't significantly affected by the condition itself. However, complications and underlying conditions associated with severe Raynaud's disease can have an impact. For example, if Raynaud's disease is secondary to an autoimmune disorder, life expectancy may be impacted.

People with Raynaud's disease should manage their symptoms and work closely with medical professionals to address any underlying conditions. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of Raynaud's attacks.

Treatments for Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease cannot be cured but treatments can help reduce the discomfort, pain and severity of attacks. If you have secondary Raynaud’s, you’re likely to have additional treatments for the underlying condition causing your symptoms. Many of the treatments for Primary Raynaud’s are self-care treatments.

The main treatments for Raynaud’s include:

• Keeping warm as much as possible
• Exercise to help circulation
• Avoiding stress
• Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
• Avoiding too much caffeine
• A medication called nifedipine may be prescribed if your symptoms are getting worse
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Many people try pain relief medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, during a Raynaud’s attack. This works for some people, but not for others.

For people who have severe symptoms of the feet, a procedure called a lumbar sympathectomy is possible, which works well for some people to relieve pain. Acupuncture and reflexology are natural treatments that some people find helpful in reducing their symptoms. Many people use bath salt, lavender essential oil, and other natural products that they feel provide relief.

Everyone will respond differently to Raynaud’s treatment and different things help different people. If you have Raynaud’s and you feel your condition is getting worse, to the point where it’s greatly affecting your life, you should speak to your GP.

Living with Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease can cause symptoms of varying degrees, and everyone is affected differently. Generally, people with Raynaud’s are likely to live well, despite having to manage their symptoms. Some people are affected more severely and may have pain and difficulty doing everyday tasks.

How well you’re able to live with Raynaud’s will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and how effective treatment is for you. Many people with Raynaud’s find colder weather particularly difficult and need to wear multiple pairs of gloves and socks, thick lined boots or thermal insoles, and use portable heating devices such as hand warmers. However, some people may be sensitive to even slight temperature changes, whatever the season.

Products to provide support for Raynaud’s disease

If Raynaud’s symptoms are making it difficult to use your hands or feet, you may wish to explore living aids. These are products designed to help you with mobility, such as getting around the home and outside, getting dressed and doing household tasks.

At Complete Care Shop, we are experts in daily living aids that can provide support for people living with Raynaud’s disease. If you have difficulty putting pressure on your feet a rise and recliner chair can help you get up from a seated position. Once you’re up, you can put some of your weight on a rollator that assists you while walking. If the pressure is too much, an attendant controlled wheelchair is a good solution.

If you’re experiencing pain in your fingers, specially adapted kitchen utensils can help you prepare food and eat a meal. We also have a number of dressing aids that help you get dressed.

Exercise and diet for Raynaud’s disease

There is no specific diet you can follow to treat Raynaud’s. However, you should aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Many people take vitamins and minerals as supplements, which can improve overall health, but there is little evidence to suggest these have an effect on Raynaud’s symptoms.

In terms of exercise, it can help to improve circulation and reduce stress. You may wish to explore options for stress reduction, like yoga.

Does Raynaud’s affect employment?

It’s unlikely that someone’s Raynaud’s diagnosis would be so severe that they were unable to work, but it may present a problem depending on what job a person has. For example, someone who works in a very cold environment or outside may have difficulty doing their job on a daily basis.

Support for Raynaud’s

Hopefully, this guide will help if you’ve recently been diagnosed with Raynaud’s, or you know someone who has. As well as this information and our many products at Complete Care Shop, there are communities, charities and other resources designed to help you. They are:

• Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK online community
• Raynaud’s Syndrome Facebook Group
• NHS Inform
• NHS
• Raynaud’s Association
• Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK