Take the Raynaud’s Quiz

The main symptoms of Raynaud's are a change in skin color and a change in skin temperature. Skin color changes from white to blue to red. Skin temperature is cooler in the affected areas. It's common for the affected areas to feel numb or prickly, cold, or painful.

The change in color has to do with blood flow. The small blood vessels in the fingers and toes that feed the skin contract in cold. This limits the amount of blood that flows. Without blood, the skin first turns white then blue. The skin returns to its normal color as blood flows again. Extremities—hands and feet—are most commonly affected. But Raynaud's can attack other areas such as the nose and ears.

The most common cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is an overreaction to cold temperatures, but it may be triggered by other causes. These include medicines that affect blood pressure or make blood vessels narrow, and certain emotions.

Cold temperatures are more likely to bring on an attack if you are physically or emotionally stressed. For some people, exposure to cold isn't even necessary. Stress alone causes blood vessels to narrow.

Women ages 15 to 30 are most likely to have Raynaud's, although anyone can develop the condition.

Raynaud's may occur on its own. This is called primary Raynaud’s and is the more common form. The other form happens along with another health condition. These include arthritis, scleroderma, nerve problems, and pulmonary hypertension.

They can go outdoors if they wear the correct clothing. They should wear scarves, warm socks, boots, and mittens or gloves.

Reaching into a refrigerator may trigger an attack. You can also use oven mitts or potholders for cold items.

After several sessions of training, people can often prevent or stop attacks using biofeedback. With this technique, you are taught to "think" your fingers or toes warm.