Description of Reynaud's

• Reynaud's Syndrome is an illness that affects the fingers and toes. They become discolored when there are temperature changes or stressful situations. The discoloration comes from abnormal spasms of blood vessels that cause blood to be blocked from going to the tissues. First the fingers become white, due to lack of blood. They then turn blue due to lack of oxygen. Then when the spasms stop, they become red due to blood rushing in.
  
  

Individuals with Reynaud's

• Women are much more likely to suffer from Reynaud's. Reynaud's may stand alone and in that case is called Reynaud's disease or primary Reynaud's Syndrome. However, sometimes individuals who have this condition have it in conjunction with other rheumatological illnesses. Then it is called secondary Reynaud's Phenomenon.
  
  

Treating Reynaud's

• The primary goal of treatment of Reynaud's is to protect the fingers and toes from trauma such as cold, injury, and infection. The first step is to keep warm, especially the digits. Use gloves when in a cold environment, even when completing daily activities such as getting food out of the freezer. Use rubber gloves when washing dishes. Don't go barefoot, even at home. Keep room temperature warm. All these will help to minimize symptoms.
  
  

What to Avoid

• Other preventative measures are to avoid constricting your digits with rings, wrist bands, or footwear. Avoid using any tools that vibrate the hands. Note any sores on fingers and toes and monitor for infection. Avoid smoking as this constricts the blood vessels. Medications that aggravate Reynaud's should be avoided if possible. These include cold medicines and blood pressure medicines that are beta blockers.
  
  

Medications

• Always consult with your physician about any changes. If preventative solutions are not effective, your doctor may prescribe medications that dilate the blood vessels. Some of these may include blood pressure medications including cardizem and losarton. If it is a serious case, you may be prescribed trental. This medication actually makes red blood cells pliable and improves circulation.
  
  

Other Options

• Serious Reynaud's can lead to infection, gangrene, and loss of fingers or toes. Therefore, it should be monitored closely. In severe cases, a sympathectomy is performed. This is a surgery on the nerves that prevents the spasms that cause the symptoms. Most people do not need this, though. Work closely with your provider to monitor, learn, and discuss what your options are for living successfully with Reynaud's Syndrome.