Raynaud’s phenomenon
In Raynaud’s phenomenon attacks occur when the blood flow to the hands and feet (and sometimes also the ears and nose) is reduced.
Symptoms indicating the disease
When the blood flow is reduced, your hands and feet become discoloured. First they go white, then blue, and finally red.
The phenomenon may occur in case of sudden cold, but also with no obvious cause. When the symptoms are not due to an underlying problem (e.g. a systemic disease), this is referred to as the primary form of Raynaud’s phenomenon.
When the symptoms are due to an underlying problem, this is referred to as the secondary form of Raynaud's phenomenon.
Possible treatments
- Medication
- In exceptional cases: thoracoscopic or laparoscopic sympathectomy