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Pain & other conditions
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Also known as: Raynaud’s
Episodes where fingers or toes turn white or blue in the cold or with stress, caused by spasms of small blood vessels.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it is
Primary Raynaud’s is common, mild and often starts in the teens or twenties. Secondary Raynaud’s is linked to conditions such as scleroderma, lupus or Sjögren’s and can be more severe.
Symptoms
Color changes in the fingers or toes, white then blue then red, with numbness, tingling or throbbing on rewarming. Severe cases can cause painful sores at the fingertips.
How it’s diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on the history. ANA testing and a nailfold capillary exam help tell primary from secondary Raynaud’s. New Raynaud’s after age 30 deserves evaluation.
Treatment
Keeping the whole body warm is the first step. Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine or amlodipine reduce attacks. Other vasodilators are used for severe disease or finger ulcers.
Living with it
Wear gloves and layers, use hand warmers, avoid smoking and vaping, and limit decongestants and caffeine if they trigger attacks.
At a glance
Category
Pain & other conditions
Also known as
Raynaud’s
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
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