A simple definition of Raynaud’s Disease is poor blood circulation to the extremities. This means toes and feet, fingers and hands; and, rarely, ears, nose and tongue. (Recently reported: the nipples of lactating mothers.)
The use of vibrating power tools can cause a variation of Raynaud’s known as Industrial White Finger.
Raynaud’s exhibits as a three or two phase colour change. The fingers (for example) will change from the usual pink to blue, to white, and return to blue, red and pink. In the two phase colour change, the blue may not occur. As the blood flow returns, the change to red may be accompanied by severe pain.
Raynaud’s Disease is divided into two types:
* Primary Raynaud’s described above
* Secondary Raynaud’s is this problem in association with an autoimmune disease. These include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (q.v.), systemic sclerosis (q.v.) Sjogren’s syndrome (q.v.) and myositis.
Raynaud’s Disease is thought to affect 1 in 20 of the population. 90% of those affected will be females, often under 25 years of age. 5% of those with Raynaud’s will have it in secondary form, that is, in conjunction with an autoimmune disease.
People with Raynaud’s must keep the extremities warm - gloves, ugg boots etc and avoid exposure to cold and a sudden drops in temperature. Even reaching for something in the refrigerator may induce spasm. Smoking should be avoided.
