Recognising Reynaud’s – it’s More than Winter Chill!

Who doesn’t feel the chill of winter’s bite, especially in their extremities? But when fingers and toes (and, on rare occasions, earlobes, nose, and even nipples) turn a deathly shade, you may not be dealing with regular chill, you may be looking at a potentially painful syndrome known as ‘Raynaud’s.’

Raynaud’s syndrome (frequently referred to as, simply, ‘Reynaud’s’), occurs frequently in winter because it is often triggered by cold conditions. Even in warm or hot climates, contact with cold (such as via air conditioning or working in a freezer, or entering cold water) can be enough to bring on an attack. The syndrome affects around 20% of the population worldwide, with women being impacted more so than men. Of those who suffer from Reynaud’s, only 10% are thought to report their condition to their GP. This may be because those who experience it have found ways to manage it, and in doing so, limit the amount of time it affects them. However, there are two types of Raynaud’s syndrome – primary and secondary – and the latter is more serious, with a considerable proportion of those who suffer from it, going on to experience autoimmune conditions or connective tissue diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus.

Those who suffer from Raynaud’s, or those who have witnessed an attack, are left in no doubt the symptoms are not the result of a ‘normal’ response to cold. The first sign of an attack is a gradual paling of the skin, followed by a whitening (depending on skin tone or colour, this can be more difficult to spot with the eye) of the affected area. Along with this discolouration, comes numbness. As the area begins to warm again, the skin turns blue, before returning to its original colour. During this ‘thawing’ period (which may take up to 15 minutes), a sufferer may experience (sometimes painful) tingling, throbbing or even swelling.

So, what is the reason for this strange reaction to cold? Researchers believe Raynaud’s occurs because of a narrowing of the blood vessels when the body is exposed to chilly conditions. Over time, the affected blood vessels can narrow further, and restrict blood flow more so than previously, thus exacerbating the condition, but cold may not be the only trigger for Raynaud’s. When we are exposed to stress, our bodies release the hormone adrenaline which prepares us for ‘fight or flight.’ In response to this hormone, our heart begins to race, and our blood vessels narrow (creating perfect conditions for Raynaud’s if we are predisposed towards it). There have also been reports of Raynaud’s occurring in those using vibrating tools or performing repeat tasks (such as pressing on the keys of a piano or keyboard).

Those who suffer from any form of Raynaud’s should always, in the first instance, seek advice from their medical professional, especially as secondary Raynaud’s can indicate other underlying health issues. Meanwhile, those who experience Raynaud’s on a day to day basis, often find ways to managing it. This can include dressing warmly in cold conditions, especially when going outdoors or handling frozen foods at home or in the supermarket (some sufferers even choose to wear gloves in the fresh produce section of their supermarket). If an attack of Raynaud’s does strike, ‘thawing’ may be achieved by placing the affected extremities in warm water (take great care if doing this because it can be difficult to test water temperature when your fingers are numb). When ‘thawing,’ also bear in mind sudden changes in temperature can lead to chilblains. Warming up the affected area slowly and gently is the best way to proceed. Some Reynaud’s sufferers help themselves by reducing stress, and undertaking regular exercise to get their blood pumping more vigorously.

If you experience Reynaud’s, don’t dismiss it as part and parcel of winter-living. Instead, visit your doctor to discuss the issue, and to learn of new ways to manage this bothersome, and sometimes, serious, condition.