What is Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers, toes and, less commonly, the ears, lips and nose. It is characterized by attacks of vasospasm, in which the blood vessels supplying blood to these structures constrict, decreasing blood flow. Raynaud’s may occur as a single entity, or may occur as part of another condition. It has been estimated that 5 to 10 percent of the population may be affected, with women being affected in higher numbers. The Framingham study found that 5.8% of men and 9.6% of women had the condition.
Raynaud’s is more common in people who live in colder climates; however, people who live in warmer climates can also have Raynaud’s, and may have more attacks during colder periods of weather. In addition to being triggered by cold weather, attacks may also be precipitated by stress.
What Happens During an Attack?
When the body is exposed to cold, the normal response of the body is to conserve heat by shunting blood away from the extremities to the body’s core, or vital organs. Blood is diverted from the surface arteries to the deeper veins in the body.
Raynaud’s is simply this normal response in an exaggerated form. When someone with Raynaud’s is exposed to cold, they experience a sudden, spasmodic contraction of the small blood vessels (arterioles) that supply blood to the hands and feet, greatly decreasing blood supply to these areas.
Symptoms may include:
Color changes- extremities may turn white, blue or red. The order of this color change is not the same in all patients. Some may experience all three colors; some may experience only one.
Abnormal sensations- sensations of coldness, numbness, throbbing and tingling may occur.
Duration- symptoms may last minutes to hours.
Subtypes of Raynaud’s
Primary Raynaud’s, also known as Raynaud’s disease, is Raynaud’s which is not associated with any underlying disease. It is the most common form: 75% of all cases occur in women aged 15 to 40 years. It is uncommon for primary Raynaud’s patients to develop other conditions, but in some cases primary Raynaud’s is the first manifestation of another problem, such as a connective tissue disorder, and may herald the onset of one of these conditions by years.
Secondary Raynaud’s, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome, occurs in conjunction with another condition. This form is often more serious and complex than primary Raynaud’s, and has more potential for complications, such as gangrene and skin ulcers.
Conditions which may be the underlying cause of secondary Raynaud’s include:
Connective Tissue Diseases- scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, dermatomyositis, poliomyelitis, and arthritis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Arterial disease
Medications- beta-blockers, cyclosporine, sulfasalazine, chemotherapeutic agents, ergotamine
How is Raynaud’s Diagnosed?
The condition is often diagnosed by the patient’s description of the signs and symptoms experienced. Sometimes doctors will attempt to cause an attack by having the patient immerse their hands in cold water, in order to determine if Raynaud’s is present. Generally the patient’s description is sufficient for diagnosis. A physician may also choose to perform certain blood tests to determine whether an underlying condition is present (usually a connective tissue disorder). Other tests may be done if the diagnosis is in question.
How is Raynaud’s Treated?
Treatment of the condition is aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of the attacks, as well as preventing complications such as permanent tissue damage.
Treatment of the condition is generally symptomatic. Medications are generally not prescribed to treat the condition; when they are prescribed, they are usually reserved for people with secondary Raynaud’s. Patients who suffer from primary Raynaud’s can benefit from the following self-help remedies:
Treat attacks immediately: do not ignore attacks. When attacks occur, re-warm the affected parts by running warm water over them, or by soaking them in warm water. If the attacks are stress-induced, try to remove yourself from the stressful condition. Relaxation techniques may be helpful.
Dress adequately for cold conditions: Dress in layers when you must be outdoors in cold weather. The use of hand warmers, such as HotSnapZ, can be used inside mittens, gloves, pockets, or boots to keep the extremities warm. The benefit of these hand warmers is that they are quick to activate and can be used numerous times, making them cost efficient.
Keep air conditioning at a minimum
Wear socks at all times, even to bed if the feet are involved
Wear gloves when removing food from the freezer, or have someone else perform this chore
Stop smoking, as this will help improve blood flow and damage to vessels
Control stress where possible
Use insulated drink containers
If attacks are frequent despite self-help measures, attacks occur on only one side of the body, or attacks result in sores (ulcers), consult your doctor. In severe cases, medication may be used to lessen symptoms.
HotSnapZ and Raynaud’s Phenomenon
HotSnapZ are hand warmers which contain water and sodium acetate, and thus are safe to use. They are activated by pressing a metal disc embedded in the hand warmer, which causes a chemical reaction producing heat. This heat can last up to 2 hours, making HotSnapZ ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, sporting events and activities, and any other occasion in which you may be exposed to the cold. Keeping your extremities warm can prevent attacks of Raynaud’s phenomenon, and allow you to enjoy these activities without pain. HotSnapZ are reusable and inexpensive, and can greatly improve your enjoyment of cold weather activities. To learn more about HotSnapZ, visit www.HotSnapZ.com.
Unlike disposable hand warmers which rely on oxygen to generate heat, HotSnapZ hand warmers work in wet conditions. The reaction inside HotSnapZ pouches is sealed and do not rely in exposure to dry air in order to work. This makes resusable heat pads a bit more versatile.
