Winter is here and Christmas around the corner and for many people that means it’s time to break out the boots and coats and argue with family members about when is the appropriate time to start putting up the Christmas lights. .

 

However, if you have Raynaud’s the cold weather can be a bit more stressful, many of us take for granted that the symptoms of chilly hands and cold feet will disappear when Spring arrives, but that’s not the case for those who have Raynaud’s.

 

What is Raynaud’s?

 

Raynaud’s is a disorder of the blood vessels, generally in the fingers and toes. It is where small blood vessels constrict and narrow interrupting blood flow, basically the circulation system in the hands and feet get tighter.

 

There are 2 types of Raynaud’s

 

1) Primary Raynaud’s typically referred to as Raynaud’s disease and it occurs on it’s own for no known reason.

2) Secondary Raynaud’s is also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon and it occurs from an

underlying cause.

 

What Does It Look Like?

 

Changes in the skin in response to the cold.

Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes.

Stinging/ prickling feeling after warming up fingers or toes.

 

An attack of raynaud’s is usually happens in three stages:

1) Fingers and toes change to a white colour in response to cold.

2) Followed by a blue colour.

3) Then finally the fingers and toes change to a red colour as they are warmed up.

 

Risk factors -(Those who may have a higher chance of getting Raynaud’s)

 

Smokers - Smoking narrows and tightens the blood vessels, so smokers may be more susceptible to the condition.

Gender - More prevalent in women than men.

Location - It is more common in people who live in colder weather (Ireland)

Family History - People with a close family history of Raynauds are at a greater risk of developing

the condition.

Age -Common in the young population (15-30 years of age).

Management:

 

There are plenty of treatments to reduce the severity of the episodes.

• Keep the entire body warm by wearing layers of clothes to prevent heat loss.

•  Invest in a good pair of gloves/mittens and thick socks.

• Avoid triggers like stress- relaxation techniques can be useful.

• Wear waterproof and insulated footwear if exposed to lower temperatures and wet conditions.

• Avoid smoking as this can constrict blood flow which can worsen the condition.

•  Increase physical activity and exercise as it can improve circulation and reduce stress levels.

Those who have Raynaud’s learn to live with it and prevents attacks of the condition by following the steps above however, you should see a GP or a podiatrist if you develop a wound or an infection in the toes or feet.

If you have any questions or concerns you can call us on: 📞01 9012009