Question 1

is raynaud's disease harmful?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Over time, raynaud's symptoms in the fingers and toes will result in atrophy (shrinkage) of the skin, muscles, and whatever else is in the fingers and toes. The damage is due to lack of nutrients and lack of oxygen when the vasospasm occurs. In severe cases, gangrene (tissue death) of parts of the fingers and toes can occur.

Question 2

what are the tests for raynaud's disease?

Accepted Answer

None.: Raynaud's is a clinical syndrome with very specific features.  Secondarily, a doctor may include tests looking for the cause, but it remains a clinical diagnosis.

Question 3

what diseases cause raynaud's phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Many disorders can: Many disorders can cause raynaud's phenomenon. Examples include: scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren's syndrome, atherosclerosis, subclavian aneurysm, beta-blocker drugs, ergotamine-type drugs, hypothyroidism, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, magnesium deficiency, etc...

Question 4

is raynaud's disease usually progressive?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: The raynaud's and scleroderma association in the U.K. States that raynaud's disease is more common in teens and young adults, especially teen girls and young women. The majority of patients resolve their symptoms in their twenties. (probably the approximately 10% of cases who have secondary conditions causing raynaud's will continue to have symptoms unless their secondary disorders are resolved.).

Question 5

how would i know if i have raynaud's disease?

Accepted Answer

Color Changes: Raynauds was described in the 1800s. It is classically three color changes to the hands and/or feet particularly on exsposure to cold. Hands may turn blue to white to red. Some people dont get all 3 changes. It can be associated with pain or burning for example. More common in women then men. Can be associated with other rheumatic diseases or can be by itself. Smoking can make it worse.

Question 6

how to figure out if i could have raynaud's disease/phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

See details: You have significant cyanosis or blanching of your fingers and/or toes accentuated by cold exposure and a formal workup revealed no other causes for the symptoms.

Question 7

advice for raynauds disease? glover?

Accepted Answer

Gloves and ...: Gloves and heavy socks are excellent ideas but also keep your torso warm by dressing in layers. There are drugs and medical procedures that can be used to treat raynaud's, but before those are used, do the above clothing suggestions, reduce your caffeine intake and above all, do not smoke.

Question 8

what are symptoms of raynauds disease?

Accepted Answer

Vasoapastic response: Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggerated vasoapastic response to cold weather and stress. The blood vessels of the extremity normally dilate and constrict with temperature changes.  This occurs to an extreme degree in patients with raynauds. They will experience blue or white fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperature or stress. This is self-limiting and rarely causes significant problems.

Question 9

will tanning help with raynaud's disease?

Accepted Answer

No: Tanning the skin is not known to alter raynaud's disease. Symptoms can be triggered by emotional stress and cold temperatures. During tanning, the temperature would be warm, and so would make raynaud's phenomenon less likely to occur at that time. Also, if being tanned makes one happier, there may be less emotional stress to trigger symptoms.

Question 10

what medication works for raynaud's disease?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilators: Treatment for raynaud's is twofold: 1.Protect hand an feet with warm clothing when exposed to cold weather.  2. Use vasodilators.  However, the medication will dilate blood vessels all over the body so its effect on the hand and feet is limited.  Other thoughts are to find out if there is an underlying disease causing the symptoms and treat that.  As a last resort some have moved to warmer places.

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