Raynaud's disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. It causes the blood vessels to narrow when you are cold or feeling stressed. When this happens, blood can't get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood flow returns, the skin turns red and throbs or tingles. In severe cases, loss of blood flow can cause sores or tissue death.

Primary Raynaud's happens on its own. The cause is not known. There is also secondary Raynaud's, which is caused by injuries, other diseases, or certain medicines.

People in colder climates are more likely to develop Raynaud's. It is also more common in women, people with a family history, and those over age 30.

Treatment for Raynaud's may include drugs to keep the blood vessels open. There are also simple things you can do yourself, such as

• Soaking hands in warm water at the first sign of an attack
• Keeping your hands and feet warm in cold weather
• Avoiding triggers, such as certain medicines and stress

Raynaud's is a rare disorder that affects the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to different parts of your body.

Raynaud's sometimes is called a disease, syndrome, or phenomenon. The disorder is marked by brief episodes of vasospasm (VA-so-spazm), which is a narrowing of the blood vessels.

Vasospasm of the arteries reduces blood flow to the fingers and toes. In people who have Raynaud's, the disorder usually affects the fingers. In about 40 percent of people who have Raynaud's, it affects the toes. Rarely, the disorder affects the nose, ears, nipples, and lips.

Overview

There are two main types of Raynaud’s—primary and secondary.

In primary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s disease), the cause isn't known. Primary Raynaud's is more common and tends to be less severe than secondary Raynaud's.

Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by an underlying disease, condition, or other factor. This type of Raynaud's is often called Raynaud's phenomenon.

If you have primary or secondary Raynaud's, cold temperatures or stress can trigger "Raynaud's attacks." During an attack, little or no blood flows to affected body parts.

As a result, the skin may turn white and then blue for a short time. As blood flow returns, the affected areas may turn red and throb, tingle, burn, or feel numb.

In both types of Raynaud's, even mild or brief changes in temperature can cause Raynaud's attacks. For example, taking something out of the freezer or being exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can cause your fingers to turn blue.

Most people who have Raynaud's have no long-term tissue damage or disability. However, people who have severe Raynaud's can develop skin sores or gangrene from prolonged or repeated Raynaud's attacks. "Gangrene" refers to the death or decay of body tissues.

Outlook

About 5 percent of the U.S. population has Raynaud's. For most people who have primary Raynaud's, the disorder is more of a bother than a serious illness. They usually can manage the condition with minor lifestyle changes.

Secondary Raynaud's may be harder to manage. However, several treatments are available to help prevent or relieve symptoms. With secondary Raynaud's, it's important to treat the underlying disease or condition that's causing it.

Researchers continue to look for better ways to diagnose and treat Raynaud's.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow, restricting blood flow. The episodes or “attacks” usually affect the fingers and toes. In rare cases, attacks occur in other areas such as the ears or nose. An attack usually happens from exposure to cold or emotional stress.

There are two types of Raynaud’s phenomenon—primary and secondary. The primary form has no known cause, but the secondary form is related to another health issue, especially autoimmune diseases like lupus or scleroderma. The secondary form tends to be more serious and to need more aggressive treatment.

In most people, lifestyle changes such as staying warm keep symptoms under control, but in severe cases, repeated attacks lead to skin sores or gangrene (death and decay of tissue). The treatment depends on how serious the condition is and whether it is the primary or secondary form.

Who Gets Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

Anyone can get Raynaud’s phenomenon, but some people are more likely to have it than others. There are two types and the risk factors for each are different.

The primary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is of unknown cause, has been linked to:

• Sex. Women get it more often than men.
• Age. It usually occurs in people younger than age 30 and often starts in the teenage years.
• Family history of Raynaud’s phenomenon. People with a family member who has Raynaud’s phenomenon have a higher risk of getting it themselves, suggesting a genetic link.

The secondary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs in combination with another disease or an environmental exposure. Factors that have been linked to secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon include:

• Diseases. Among the most common ones are lupus, scleroderma, inflammatory myositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Conditions such as certain thyroid disorders, clotting disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome have also been linked to the secondary form.
• Medications. Medications used to treat high blood pressure, migraines, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may cause symptoms similar to Raynaud’s phenomenon or make underlying Raynaud’s phenomenon worse.
• Work-related exposures. Repeated use of vibrating machinery (such as a jackhammer), or exposure to cold or certain chemicals.

Types of Raynaud’s Phenomenon

There are two types of Raynaud’s phenomenon.

• Primary Raynaud's phenomenon has no known cause. It is the more common form of the condition.
• Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with another problem, such as a rheumatic disease like lupus or scleroderma. Factors such as exposure to cold or certain chemicals may also underlie this form. The secondary form is less common but typically more serious than the primary form due to damage that occurs to the blood vessels.

Symptoms of Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon happens when episodes or “attacks” affect certain parts of the body, especially the fingers and toes, causing them to become cold and numb, and change colors. Exposure to cold is the most common trigger, such as grabbing hold of a glass of ice water or taking something out of the freezer. Sudden changes in ambient temperature, such as when entering an air-conditioned supermarket on a warm day, can lead to an attack.

Emotional stress, cigarette smoking, and vaping can also trigger symptoms. Parts of the body besides the fingers and toes, such as the ears or nose may be affected as well.

Raynaud’s attacks. A typical attack progresses as follows:

• The skin of the affected part of the body turns pale or white due to lack of blood flow.
• The area then turns blue and feels cold and numb, as the blood that is left in the tissue loses its oxygen.
• Finally, as you warm up and circulation returns, the area turns red and may swell, tingle, burn, or throb.

Only one finger or toe may be affected at first; then, it may move to other fingers and toes. The thumbs are less likely to be affected than the other fingers. An attack may last a few minutes or a few hours, and the pain associated with each episode can vary.

Skin ulcers and gangrene. People with severe Raynaud’s phenomenon can develop small, painful sores, especially at the tips of the fingers or toes. In rare cases, an extended episode (days) of a lack of oxygen to tissues can lead to gangrene (cellular death and decay of body tissues).

For many people, especially those with the primary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon, the symptoms are mild and not highly troublesome. People with the secondary form tend to have more severe symptoms.

Causes of Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Scientists do not know exactly why Raynaud’s phenomenon develops in some people, but they do understand how attacks happen. When a person is exposed to cold, the body tries to slow the loss of heat and maintain its temperature. To do so, blood vessels in the surface layer of the skin constrict (narrow), moving blood from vessels near the surface to those deeper in the body.

In people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, blood vessels in the hands and feet react to cold or stress, narrowing quickly and staying constricted for a long period. This causes the skin to turn pale or white, then bluish as the blood left in the vessels becomes depleted of oxygen. Eventually, when you warm up and the vessels expand again, the skin flushes and may tingle or burn.

Many factors, including nerve and hormonal signals, control blood flow in skin, and Raynaud’s phenomenon happens when this complex system gets disrupted. Emotional stress releases signaling molecules that cause blood vessels to narrow, which is why anxiety can trigger an attack.

More women than men are affected by primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, suggesting that estrogen may play a role in this form. Genes may also be involved: The risk of the condition is higher in people with a relative who has it, but the specific genetic factors have not yet been definitively identified.

In secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, damage to the blood vessels from certain diseases, such as lupus or scleroderma, or work-related exposures likely underlies the condition.

Diagnosis of Raynaud’s Phenomenon

There is no single test to diagnose Raynaud’s phenomenon. Doctors usually diagnose it based on symptoms, in particular, on a description of a typical attack upon exposure to cold. Your doctor will likely also take a medical history and perform a physical exam.

Your doctor may perform additional tests to distinguish between the two forms of the condition. These include:

• Nailfold capillary microscopy. During this test your doctor uses a magnifier to look at the base of your fingernails for signs of changes in capillaries (extremely small blood vessels), a sign of secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• Blood tests. If your doctor suspects that you have the secondary form, they may order blood tests that may indicate you have a disease that has been linked to Raynaud’s phenomenon, such as lupus or scleroderma. One of the more common of these tests is the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.

Treatment of Raynaud’s Phenomenon

The goals of treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon are to:

• Reduce how many attacks you have.
• Make attacks less severe.
• Prevent tissue damage.

For most people with Raynaud’s phenomenon, avoiding getting cold prevents attacks and keeps symptoms under control. But if this is not enough, medications and, in some cases, surgical procedures can help.

Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon is more likely to be serious and to need more aggressive therapy. If you have the secondary form, you may need to seek treatment for an underlying condition, if you have not already done so.

Preventing Attacks

• Medications. While there are no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Raynaud’s phenomenon, medications that have been approved for other conditions are routinely used to treat it.
• Surgery. If you have severe Raynaud’s phenomenon, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a sympathectomy to destroy the nerves that trigger blood vessel narrowing in the affected areas. This is usually done by incision or injections. The procedure often relieves symptoms, but it may need to be repeated after a few years.

Treating Tissue Damage

In serious cases, repeated attacks can lead to skin sores or gangrene (death and decay of tissue). If this happens, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for a few days and receive intravenous medications to rapidly improve blood flow and to treat infection. In rare cases, you may need surgery to remove dead tissue.

Who Treats Raynaud’s Phenomenon?

Raynaud’s phenomenon is primarily treated by:

• Rheumatologists, doctors who treat diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. Rheumatologists are also specialists in autoimmune diseases. They treat Raynaud’s phenomenon because it sometimes occurs in association with rheumatic diseases, like lupus.

Other specialists who may be involved in your care include:

• Cardiologists, who specialize in treating heart and blood vessel problems.
• Dermatologists, who specialize in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails.
• Mental health professionals, who can help people cope with difficulties in the home and workplace that may result from their medical conditions.
• Primary care doctors, such as family physicians or internal medicine specialists, who coordinate care between the different health care providers and treat other problems as they arise.
• Surgeons, including hand specialists, who may be orthopaedists, plastic surgeons, or vascular surgeons.

Living With Raynaud’s Phenomenon

In most people, Raynaud’s phenomenon can be controlled by making lifestyle changes. The following tips can decrease the number and severity of attacks you have.

• Keep warm. Keeping your hands and feet, as well as your entire body, warm is important. It is often not enough to keep your hands and feet warm and you need to keep your “core body” (chest, abdomen, and head) warm, too.
  • If it is cold outside, try not to go out.
  • If you go out when it is cold, dress warmly, wearing several layers of clothing. Be sure to use a hat or hood, because you lose a lot of body heat through your head. Consider heated gloves or hand warmers.
  • Protect your hands with gloves when you handle cold or frozen items.
  • Bring a sweater or jacket if you go to an indoor setting that may be air-conditioned.

• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about making a plan to quit. Nicotine in cigarettes and some vaping solutions can cause blood vessels to narrow, increasing the chance of an attack. Smoking also may cause permanent damage to blood vessels, which is particularly dangerous for people with Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• Some medications can bring on attacks, so talk to your doctor about those you take and before starting any new ones. Medications that can bring on attacks include:
  • Decongestants that contain phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine.
  • Appetite suppressants that contain pseudoephedrine.
  • Beta blockers for high blood pressure.
  • Migraine medications that contain ergotamine.
  • Certain stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
• Act quickly to end an attack. If an attack occurs, place your hands or feet in a warm place, such as under warm (not hot) water or under a heating pad. You can also warm your hands by whirling your arms in a windmill pattern or placing them under your armpits.
• Cope with stress. Because stress can bring on an attack, learning how to manage it is important. Meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques may help. Seek help from a mental health professional if these approaches do not work and you continue to experience high stress levels.

Remember to visit your health care providers regularly and to follow their recommendations.

The risk factors for primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) and secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's phenomenon) are different.

The risk factors for primary Raynaud's include:

• Gender. Women are more likely to have primary Raynaud's than men.
• Age. Primary Raynaud's usually develops before the age of 30.
• Family history. Primary Raynaud's may occur in members of the same family.
• Living in a cold climate. Cold temperatures can trigger Raynaud's attacks.

The risk factors for secondary Raynaud's include:

• Age. Secondary Raynaud's usually develops after the age of 30.
• Certain diseases and conditions. For example, diseases that directly damage the arteries or damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet may cause secondary Raynaud's.
• Injuries to the hands or feet.
• Exposure to certain workplace chemicals, such as vinyl chloride (used in the plastics industry).
• Repetitive actions with the hands, such as typing or using vibrating tools.
• Certain medicines, such as migraine, cancer, cold/allergy, or blood pressure medicines.
• Smoking.
• Living in a cold climate.

There are two main types of Raynaud’s—primary and secondary.

In primary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s disease), the cause isn't known. Primary Raynaud's is more common and tends to be less severe than secondary Raynaud's.

Secondary Raynaud’s is caused by an underlying disease, condition, or other factor. This type of Raynaud's is often called Raynaud's phenomenon.

Causes of Secondary Raynaud's

Many things can cause secondary Raynaud's. Examples include:

• Diseases and conditions that directly damage the arteries or damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet
• Repetitive actions that damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet
• Injuries to the hands and feet
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Medicines that narrow the arteries or affect blood pressure

Diseases and Conditions

Secondary Raynaud's is linked to diseases and conditions that directly damage the arteries. The disorder also is linked to diseases and conditions that damage the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet.

For example, Raynaud’s occurs in most people who have scleroderma (skler-o-DER-ma). It also is a common problem for people with lupus.

Other examples of diseases and conditions that can cause Raynaud's include:

• Rheumatoid (RU-ma-toyd) arthritis
• Atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis)
• Blood disorders such as cryoglobulinemia (KRI-o-GLOB-yu-li-NE-me-ah) and polycythemia (POL-e-si-THE-me-ah)
• Sjögren's (SHOW-gren's) syndrome, dermatomyositis (DER-ma-to-mi-o-SI-tis), and polymyositis (POL-e-mi-o-SI-tis)
• Buerger's disease

Thyroid problems and pulmonary hypertension also may cause Raynaud's.

Repetitive Actions

Repetitive actions that damage the arteries or the nerves that control the arteries in the hands and feet may lead to Raynaud's.

Typing, playing the piano, or doing other similar movements repeatedly over long periods may lead to secondary Raynaud's. Using vibrating tools, such as jackhammers and drills, also may raise your risk of developing Raynaud's.

Hand or Foot Injuries

Injuries to the hands or feet from accidents, frostbite, surgery, or other causes can lead to Raynaud's.

Chemicals

Exposure to certain workplace chemicals can cause a scleroderma-like illness that's linked to Raynaud's. An example of this type of chemical is vinyl chloride, which is used in the plastics industry.

The nicotine in cigarettes also can raise your risk of developing Raynaud's.

Medicines

Certain medicines can cause secondary Raynaud's, including:

• Migraine headache medicines that contain ergotamine. This substance causes the arteries to narrow.
• Certain cancer medicines, such as cisplatin and vinblastine.
• Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines and diet aids. Some of these medicines can narrow your arteries.
• Beta blockers. These medicines slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
• Birth control pills. These medicines can affect blood flow.

People who have primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) or secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's phenomenon) can have attacks in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress.

Raynaud's attacks usually affect the fingers and toes. Rarely, the attacks affect the nose, ears, nipples, or lips.

During a Raynaud's attack, the arteries become very narrow for a brief period. As a result, little or no blood flows to affected body parts. This may cause these areas to:

• Turn pale or white and then blue
• Feel numb, cold, or painful
• Turn red, throb, tingle, burn, or feel numb as blood flow returns to the affected areas

Raynaud's attacks can last less than a minute or as long as several hours. Attacks can occur daily or weekly.

Attacks often begin in one finger or toe and move to other fingers or toes. Sometimes only one or two fingers or toes are affected. Different areas may be affected at different times.

Severe secondary Raynaud's can cause skin sores or gangrene. "Gangrene" refers to the death or decay of body tissues. Fortunately, severe Raynaud's is rare.

Your doctor will diagnose primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) or secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's phenomenon) based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results.

Specialists Involved

Primary care doctors and internists often diagnose and treat Raynaud's.

If you have the disorder, you also may see a rheumatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the joints, bones, and muscles.

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat many of the diseases that are linked to secondary Raynaud's, such as scleroderma and lupus.

Medical History

Your doctor may ask about your risk factors for Raynaud's. He or she also may ask about your signs and symptoms when you're exposed to cold temperatures or stress.

For example, your doctor may ask whether your fingers or toes:

• Feel numb or painful when they're exposed to cold temperatures
• Turn white or blue, or both, when they're exposed to cold temperatures

Physical Exam

Your doctor will look at your fingers and toes to check the health of your skin and nails and to check blood flow to these areas.

Your doctor also may do a more complete physical exam to check for signs of diseases and conditions that are linked to secondary Raynaud's.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

Your doctor may recommend the following tests to check for Raynaud's and related conditions.

Cold Stimulation Test

A cold stimulation test can be used to trigger Raynaud's symptoms. For this test, a small device that measures temperature is taped to your fingers. Your hands are then exposed to cold—they're usually briefly put into ice water.

Your hands are then removed from the cold, and the device measures how quickly your fingers return to their normal temperature. If you have Raynaud's, it may take more than 20 minutes for your fingers to return to their normal temperature.

Because results of this type of test are not always consistent, your doctor may do other tests to check for Raynaud’s.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy

You may have a test called nailfold capillaroscopy (KAP-ih-lar-OS-ko-pe). For this test, your doctor puts a drop of oil at the base of your fingernail. He or she then looks at your fingernail under a microscope.

If your doctor sees abnormal arteries, it may mean you have a disease linked to Raynaud's, such as scleroderma.

Other Tests

Your doctor may order blood tests to look for conditions that are linked to secondary Raynaud's. Examples include antinuclear antibody (ANA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or "sed rate"), and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood tests.

Primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) and secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's phenomenon) have no cure. However, treatments can reduce the number and severity of Raynaud's attacks. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines, and, rarely, surgery.

Most people who have primary Raynaud's can manage the condition with lifestyle changes. People who have secondary Raynaud's may need medicines in addition to lifestyle changes. Rarely, they may need surgery or shots.

If you have Raynaud's and develop sores on your fingers, toes, or other parts of your body, see your doctor right away. Timely treatment can help prevent permanent damage to these areas.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can help you avoid things that may trigger a Raynaud's attack. Examples of such triggers include cold temperatures, emotional stress, workplace or recreational factors, and contact with certain chemicals or medicines.

Protect Yourself From Cold Temperatures

To protect yourself from cold temperatures:

• Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves), scarf, coat with snug cuffs, and warm socks and shoes during cold weather. Layer your clothing for extra warmth.
• Put hand and foot warmers in your mittens, boots, socks, or pockets. Some warmers are small heat packs, and others are battery-operated. These warmers often are available at sporting goods stores.
• Turn down air conditioning or dress warmly while in an air-conditioned space.
• Warm up your car before driving in cold weather.
• Wear gloves or mittens when taking food out of the refrigerator or freezer (if cold temperatures severely affect you).

Avoid Other Triggers

Try to avoid things that make you upset or stressed. Learn ways to
handle stress that you can't avoid. Physical activity helps some people cope with stress. Other people listen to music or focus on something calm or peaceful to reduce stress. Some people learn yoga, tai chi, or meditation.

Try to avoid workplace and recreational triggers. For example, limit the use of vibrating tools, such as drills. Wear proper protective gear if you work with industrial chemicals. Also, try to limit repetitive hand actions, such as typing or playing the piano.

Some medicines can trigger Raynaud's attacks. Examples include:

• Migraine headache medicines that contain ergotamine. This substance causes your arteries to narrow.
• Certain cancer medicines, such as cisplatin and vinblastine.
• Over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines or diet aids. Some of these medicines can narrow your arteries.
• Beta blockers. These medicines slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
• Birth control pills. These medicines can affect blood flow.

Talk with your doctor about whether your medicines are safe for you.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Other lifestyle changes also can help you avoid Raynaud's attacks. For example, include physical activity as part of your healthy lifestyle. Physical activity can increase your blood flow and help keep you warm.

Limit your use of caffeine and alcohol. These substances can trigger Raynaud's attacks. If you smoke, quit. Smoking makes Raynaud's worse. Ask your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke.

You also can take steps to help stop Raynaud's attacks when they occur. For example:

• Move to a warmer spot, such as indoors, during cold weather.
• Warm your hands or feet. Place your hands under your armpits. Soak your feet or hands in warm water.
• Wiggle or massage your fingers and toes.
• Move your arms in circles or shake your arms or feet.
• Get out of stressful situations and try relaxation techniques.

If you have Raynaud's, be sure to take care of your hands and feet. Protect them from cuts, bruises, and other injuries. For example, wear properly fitted shoes and don't walk barefoot. Use lotion to prevent your skin from drying and cracking. Also, avoid tight wristbands and rings.

Medicines and Surgery

If lifestyle changes don't control Raynaud's, you may need medicines or surgery. Medicines are used to improve blood flow to the fingers and toes.

Examples of medicines used to treat Raynaud's include calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, prescription skin creams, and ACE inhibitors (used less often).

Rarely, people who have severe Raynaud's may develop skin sores or gangrene. "Gangrene" refers to the death or decay of body tissues. If this happens, antibiotics or surgery to cut out the damaged tissue may be needed. In very serious cases, the affected toe or finger may need to be removed.

Another treatment for severe Raynaud's is to block the nerves in the hands or feet that control the arteries. This can help prevent Raynaud's attacks. This treatment is done using surgery or shots.

The surgery often relieves symptoms, but sometimes for only a few years. Shots may need to be repeated if symptoms persist or come back.

Primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) and secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's phenomenon) can be lifelong conditions. However, you can take steps to help control Raynaud's. Lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the disorder.

Most people who have primary Raynaud's can manage the disorder with lifestyle changes. People who have secondary Raynaud's may need medicines in addition to lifestyle changes. Rarely, they may need surgery or shots.

Lifestyle Changes

You can take steps to avoid things that trigger Raynaud's attacks. If you have Raynaud's:

• Protect yourself from cold temperatures.
• Try to avoid emotional stress and learn ways to cope with stress that you can't avoid.
• Avoid certain medicines, substances, and activities that can trigger Raynaud's attacks.
• Include physical activity as part of your healthy lifestyle and limit your use of caffeine and alcohol. If you smoke, quit. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke.

You also can take steps to stop a Raynaud's attack once it starts. Warm up your hands, feet, or other affected areas right away. For example, place your hands under your armpits, run warm water over your fingers and toes, or massage your hands and feet.

If you have Raynaud's, be sure to take care of your hands and feet. Protect them from cuts, bruises, and other injuries. For example, wear properly fitted shoes and don't walk barefoot. Use lotion to prevent your skin from drying and cracking. Also, avoid tight wristbands and rings.

Ongoing Care

If you have Raynaud's, it's important to get ongoing care. Talk with your doctor about how often to schedule followup visits. Take all medicines as your doctor prescribes.

See your doctor right away if your Raynaud's symptoms get worse or if you develop sores on your fingers, toes, or other parts of your body. Timely treatment can help prevent permanent damage to these areas.