He called Raynaud’s Phenomenon It is produced by a decrease in blood circulation in the hands and feet that can also occur in the lips, nose and ears. It involves color changes and pain due to the contraction of the small blood vessels, which causes blood and thus not enough oxygen to reach the distal areas of the body.
The phenomenon was first described by a French doctor named Maurice Raynaud, from whom he took his name, in 1862. It is an exaggerated response to changes in temperature. but it can also occur when a person is facing intense stress. There is a primary and a secondary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon, in the first case it is not associated with any disease (idiopathic) and in the second it is.
As explained to Infosalus by Dr. María Rosa González Crespo, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER), the idiopathic form of the phenomenon mainly affects young women between the ages of 15 and 25 and the secondary can appear towards the age of 40 or later. Its frequency is between 3% and 4% in the general Spanish population in the case of the primary phenomenon and in the case of the secondary this prevalence depends on that of the associated disease and whether or not it presents this symptom.
“Raynaud’s phenomenon can occur several times throughout the day in its idiopathic form, especially in winter, and on more occasions when the cause is secondary,” says the specialist, a rheumatologist at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital in the Community of Madrid.
The phenomenon can appear at any age and it remains throughout life, although it can sometimes disappear with menopause or reduce the number of episodes and improve when smoking is stopped.
Although its cause is unknown, hereditary factors may intervene in this exaggerated vasoconstriction, and hormonal factors also play an important role, since the primary form can start at an early age among women.
Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon linked to autoimmune diseases that can affect any organ and system as in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, professionals who work with a pneumatic hammer or discreetly hitting tools such as the piano or guitar are at greater risk of developing Raynaud’s phenomenon, and it can even be a side effect of taking some medications.
BRIEF DURATION AND CHANGE OF SKIN COLOR
They are reversible episodes or attacks that do not cause tissue damage and that usually last between 10 and 15 minutes, although if their severity is high they can last for hours. What is characteristic is a change in coloration of the skin of the fingers in three phases that must be consecutive: the fingers initially turn white, then take on a blue color, and finally turn red before returning to their normal coloration.
Fingers turn white when little blood reaches the tip and the second phalanx, which produces pain and numbness; when they are blue, blood does not circulate well and red indicates the reactivation of circulation, which can lead to swelling and tingling. In severe cases, associated with the secondary phenomenon, ulcers and sores can occur on the fingers and even when the severity is extreme, gangrene.
According to Dr. González, whenever Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs, it is necessary to go to the doctor to carry out a study and since the associated diseases are treated by rheumatologists, it is usually these specialists who make the diagnosis.
“In addition to the interview and clinical examination, as well as the general tests to rule out autoimmune diseases, It is possible to assess the severity of the phenomenon through a test that examines the cuticles under a microscope in search of possible vascular alterations. It is a simple technique that does not cause discomfort for the patient,” says the rheumatologist.
PALLIATE THE COLD TO TREAT THE RAYNAUD
There is no curative treatment, so the patient must be very actively involved in the treatment, which involves avoiding sudden changes in temperature and protecting themselves from the cold. Dr. González points out to Infosalus the keys to this:
Protection against the cold, the main trigger: covering the entire central part of the body with several layers. The feet must be protected with wide, warm shoes that allow the use of thick socks. The hands: gloves should be used when the hand is still warm, wide or even use mittens that allow the fingers to move. If you play the guitar or the piano, your hands should be warm before starting to play.
At home: It has to be at a pleasant hot temperature and avoid direct contact with the cold, either by using warm water to clean the vegetables or scrub and gloves to handle food from the freezer.
Take care of the skin: It must be well hydrated in the distal areas to avoid possible chafing or Greek, use mild soaps and when cutting the nails do it straight to avoid injuries.
Relaxation techniques: to control stress, since it can also be a trigger.
Do not smoke, reduce caffeine and control drugs: tobacco triggers vasospasms throughout the body and with it a greater possibility of episodes.
Alert to possible injuries: If ulcers or wounds occur, see a doctor to apply a specific treatment to avoid possible infection.
Although there are no specific drugs, when there are many episodes, as happens in winter, drugs used for other conditions that help peripheral vasodilation are prescribed. Surgical treatment is reserved for the most serious cases and consists of cutting the nerves responsible for narrowing the blood vessels.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN EPISODE OF RAYNAUD?
The phenomenon disappears in 10 to 15 minutes and it is better not to use water as it can worsen the third phase of redness, although if it is used, it must be lukewarm. The specialist advises:
Keep calm, since stress can intensify the episode.
put more heat on the body if we are at home, with more shelter or turning up the heating, if we are abroad we must take shelter in a covered facility.
Move fingers: when they are white and asleep you have to move your fingers so that the blood circulates and keep the body moving too if possible.