What Is Raynaud’s Syndrome? Find Out About This Condition Triggered By Cold Weather – News18
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The smaller arteries responsible for supplying blood to the skin constrict excessively and hence limit the blood supply to the affected area.
Feeling numbness is common in those suffering from Raynaud’s Syndrome. (Photo Credits: X)
Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud syndrome, is a common condition during the winter season that causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. The change in colour, from the standard pigment to often dark red or a pale white, is majorly due to this common disease that affected millions of people globally.
What is Raynaud’s phenomenon?
According to the National Institutes of Health this condition causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow, thereby restricting the blood flow. It usually affects fingers and toes, while attacks are possible in other areas like ears, tongue or nose in rare cases. The attack usually happens when a person is exposed to cold temperatures or emotional stress.
Under this, the smaller arteries responsible for supplying blood to the skin constrict excessively and hence limit the blood supply to the affected area.
Types of Raynaud’s Phenomenon
In all, there are two different types of Raynaud’s phenomenon — Primary and Secondary.
The Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon does not have any known cause and is the most common form of the condition.
The other one is associated with another problem, such as a rheumatic disease like scleroderma or lupus. This form is less common, but more serious compared to the primary form due to damage it does to the blood vessels.
Symptoms
1. Change in skin colour: As the blood flow stops, it usually changes the skin colour from white to blue to red.
2. Feeling numb or cold: People can start feeling as if a part of their body, like fingers, ears or nose, has fallen asleep. This usually happens because your finger is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood.
3. Tingling: This happens when the blood flow returns to the affected body part.
4. Painful sores: Frequent attacks might lead to painful sores on the fingertips or even toes. Also, skin tissues become dead due to lack of oxygen.
Treatment
In order to treat this condition, often simple lifestyle changes are considered by people. In severe cases, patients are advised to consult a doctor to get proper medication.
Here are some tips to prevent from Raynaud’s phenomenon:
1. Don’t wash your hands with cold water during the winter season.
2. Don’t touch cold objects, including ice or metal surfaces.
3. During winters, always wear warm clothes.
4. Avoid intake of caffeine products.
5. Don’t move out barefoot and always consider wearing socks
6. Take time to exercise on a regular basis.
7. Practice good skin care by applying moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
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