Intermittent interruptions of blood supply to the fingers, toes, and sometimes the ears, marked by severe pallor of these parts and accompanied by numbness, tingling, or severe pain.
A temporary constriction of arterioles in the skin causing short episodes of numbness and color changes in the fingers and toes. This condition is usually idiopathic.
A narrowing of bold vessels in the fingers due to constant heavy vibration.
A condition in which the arteries carrying blood to the fingers or toes constrict on exposure to cold or during emotional upset. The nose and ears may also be affected. The fingers or toes turn chalky white, and they may also sting or feel cold and numb.
A painful condition triggered by cold exposure or emotional stress involving vasoconstriction of the arteries and arterioles of the fingers and toes.
A disorder characterized by a decrease in blood flow to the body’s tissues due to a malfunction in the nerves responsible for regulating the constriction of blood vessels. When episodes of Raynaud’s occur in the absence of other underlying medical conditions, it is referred to as Raynaud’s disease. However, when these episodes are a part of an existing disease, such as scleroderma, it is referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
A vascular condition that impacts the fingers and toes, exhibiting the same symptoms, signs, and mechanisms as Raynaud’s disease, but stems from an identifiable underlying condition.
Potential triggers for Raynaud’s phenomenon can range from arterial conditions like atherosclerosis, where fat deposits accumulate on the walls of arteries, to connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Certain medications, like beta-blockers, can also be a contributing factor. The condition is acknowledged as an occupational hazard for individuals who operate vibrating machinery like pneumatic drills and chainsaws, as well as for those whose fingers undergo recurrent trauma.
The treatment approach mirrors that of Raynaud’s disease, supplemented by addressing the underlying condition causing the symptoms.