In response to exposure to the cold, the body restricts blood flow to the skin to preserve its core temperature. People with Raynaud’s phenomenon (also called Raynaud’s syndrome) experience this restriction of blood flow more readily because of an enhanced sensitivity to cold. The areas of the body affected are typically the fingers and toes, although in rare cases Raynaud’s can affect the lips, nose, ear lobes, nipples, or tongue.[1] The restriction of blood flow in people with Raynaud’s is also commonly triggered by emotional stress. Raynaud’s can be categorized as primary (without another underlying cause) or secondary (resulting from complications of another condition).[2][3][4]
References
- ^Raynaud’s phenomenon; USA: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, cited Oct. 2024, updated July 2024
- ^Musa R, Qurie ARaynaud Disease.StatPearls.(2024 Jan)
- ^Ventura I, Reid P, Jan RApproach to Patients with Suspected Rheumatic Disease.Prim Care.(2018 Jun)
- ^Pauling JD, Reilly E, Smith T, Frech TMEvolving Symptom Characteristics of Raynaud's Phenomenon in Systemic Sclerosis and Their Association With Physician and Patient-Reported Assessments of Disease Severity.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken).(2019 Aug)