Raynaud’s Syndrome
Do you always have cold hands? This disease could be the cause!
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Raynaud’s syndrome causes circulatory disorders that are similar to attacks – and thus cold and pale fingers. We explain what you should know about it.
What is Raynaud’s Syndrome?
We all know cold fingers from stimuli such as a cool bottle – but anyone who suffers from Raynaud’s syndrome (also “Raynaud’s disease”) must expect significantly stronger reactions. Because the disease causes the finger arteries to contract suddenly, This causes a severe circulatory disorder: the fingers (and sometimes the toes) become almost bloodless and painful, the skin turns pale or blue.
Often one speaks in this context of a vascular spasm, which can last up to 30 minutes. If the arteries then expand again, the blood flows back into the fingers – in many cases they become red as a result, but the pain persists. But not only cold can trigger the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome, but also strong emotions or stress. The disease was named after the French doctor Maurice Raynaud (1834 – 1881), who first described it in his medical dissertation.
Primary and secondary form
There are according to the doctor two different forms of Raynaud’s syndrome:
- Primary: The primary form mainly affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, who can often also have low blood pressure. The exact cause of the syndrome is not yet known, but the symptoms often decrease over the course of life.
- Secondary: In the secondary form, the syndrome occurs as a result of another disease and can also affect older people. Triggers can be, for example, rheumatism or multiple sclerosis.
Diseased vessels: Other causes of secondary Raynaud’s syndrome
Not only diseases can trigger secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. The following triggers are also known:
- Vibration syndrome: This condition can develop after years of working with high-vibration equipment, such as a jackhammer
- drug consumption
- Medication (e.g. high blood pressure or migraine medication)
Help for patients: The right therapy for Raynaud’s syndrome
It is best that Prevent symptoms altogether by avoiding cold – and wrap up your hands warmly as therapy. Especially when it’s cold outside, gloves and handbag warmers protect against the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome. Patients should also stop smoking for successful treatment. Exercise also helps stimulate blood circulation. If the symptoms are stress-related, meditation and autogenic training provide relaxation.
Do you suffer from circulatory disorders? Here we tell you how you can promote blood circulation!