1. Health Talks
  2. Arthritis
  3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
  4. Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
38 Join the conversation

Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "

Case study ( 6452 views as of December 2, 2023 )

Shelley is a 21-year-old woman who has started noticing colour changes in her hands. She notes that her hands become white, then purple when exposed to the cold. When she warms them up, they go bright red and tingly. Her symptoms were much worse over the winter months, and were better during the summer. She is otherwise active and healthy. Unfortunately, she did start smoking recently.

Shelley is wondering what these colour changes mean, if this condition is serious and if any other tests need to be performed. In addition, she would like to know how to better control or prevent these flares.

Shelley would benefit from seeing her family physician who will review her symptoms and assess her for possible Raynaud's disease, and can refer her to a rheumatologist if appropriate. Shelley can also consider consulting with a Naturopathic Doctor to see if she can get some relief from her symptoms. Physiotherapy and yoga can also be beneficial to Shelley's condition.

Author:
38

Conversation based on: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "

Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "

  • Dr. Jason Kur MD,FRCP
    Dr. Jason Kur MD,FRCP Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 30 June 2023 Artus Health Centre
    Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood vessels, causing a change in color in the hands, and sometimes other parts of the body, upon exposure to cold temperatures or stress. The symptoms of Raynaud's include color changes in the hands, which typically turn white or purple in the cold and then become red upon rewarming. Some individuals may also experience numbness or tingling in their fingers. Raynaud's phenomenon occurs when blood vessels constrict more than usual in response to cold or stress. While primary Raynaud's is not associated with any underlying disease and is quite common, a small percentage of cases can be secondary to other conditions. It is important to mention any symptoms in other areas of the body, such as the feet, nose, or ears, to your family doctor. Diagnosing Raynaud's is primarily based on the symptoms and medical history, as there is no specific test for the condition. Treatment for Raynaud's mainly focuses on prevention. It is essential to keep the hands and core body temperature warm and avoid triggers such as cold, stress, and vibration. It is also important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about Raynaud's before starting any new medications, as some medications can exacerbate symptoms. Smoking can worsen Raynaud's, so quitting smoking is beneficial for managing the condition. In severe cases of Raynaud's, doctors may prescribe medications that lower blood pressure to help relax the blood vessels. However, these medications are typically reserved for individuals with severe symptoms. If you have Raynaud's or if you notice your symptoms worsening, it is recommended to speak with your family physician for further evaluation and guidance.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
  • Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC
    Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 24 June 2023 Artus Health Centre
    Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel response to cold exposure, leading to changes in the color of the affected areas, typically the hands. When individuals with Raynaud's are exposed to cold, their hands may turn white or purple, and upon rewarming, they often become bright red. Normally, blood vessels constrict in response to cold temperatures, but in Raynaud's phenomenon, this constriction occurs to a greater degree, causing symptoms such as color changes and sometimes numbness or tingling in the fingers. Raynaud's can also affect other body parts like the feet, nose, or ears. If you experience symptoms in these areas, it's important to inform your family doctor. Raynaud's phenomenon is relatively common, affecting around 5% of healthy individuals, and it is more prevalent in women. In most cases, Raynaud's is classified as primary, meaning it occurs without an underlying disease. However, a small portion of people may have secondary Raynaud's, which is associated with other conditions. In such cases, your family doctor may perform basic blood work to investigate further. Diagnosing Raynaud's does not require a specific test, and treatment primarily focuses on prevention. Keeping your hands and core body temperature warm is essential. It's important to avoid triggers such as stress, cold temperatures, and vibrations that can provoke Raynaud's episodes. Certain medications can exacerbate Raynaud's symptoms, so it's crucial to inform your family doctor or pharmacist about your condition before starting new medications. Smoking is known to damage blood vessels and can worsen Raynaud's symptoms. Quitting smoking is another intervention that can help improve the condition. In severe cases of Raynaud's, doctors may prescribe medications that lower blood pressure to relax the blood vessels. However, these medications are typically reserved for patients with severe symptoms. If you have Raynaud's or notice that your symptoms are worsening, it's recommended to speak with your family physician for further evaluation and guidance.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
  • Dr. Duncan Miller MD
    Dr. Duncan Miller MD Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC 13 December 2019 Broadway Plaza Family Practice Vancouver
    Any disease of the endocrine system. Diabetes is an endocrine disease because if affects the pancreas, a gland that produces the hormone insulin.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 16 May 2022
      Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include pain and stiffness in the joints in the lower back, spine, hips, knees, shoulders, ligaments and tendons.
  • AllieS
    AllieS 14 January 2016
    I've read that fish oil supplementation might help delay the onset of spasms because of the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on blood viscosity and flow. In addition, higher alcohol and carbohydrate intake can be related to atherosclerotic disease, which could lead to poor circulation to extremities like the hands. Even though she is healthy, Shelley could benefit from seeing a dietitian to make sure her diet is not contributing to her condition.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP
      Michelle Kaarto, BScK, CSEP CEP 22 March 2016
      It appears the research is still in the early stages of supporting omega-3's and their effect on raynaud's, but it is definitely worth Shelley consulting with a registered dietitian or naturopath to see about supplements that could be beneficial in managing her symptoms.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 14 March 2016
      That's very interesting @AllieS. More and more it seems like omega-3's are something people should be taking on a regular basis
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 09 October 2015
    Is Raynaud's considered a circulatory disease ?
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • AllieS
      AllieS 14 January 2016
      It seems as though the reason for spasm is a bit uncertain, but it might have something to do with nervous system reflexes that cause the arterioles to constrict and limit blood circulation.
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 16 December 2015
      Why would the arterioles go in to spasm ? Just the cold ?
    • Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc.,
      Mr. Jackson Sayers BSc., Kinesiologists, Vancouver, BC 09 October 2015
      My Rheumatologist told me Raynaud's disease occurs when the small arteries (arterioles) that serve the fingers, toes, ears, or nose go into spasm and cause significant pain. When arterioles go into spasm, they can cut off blood circulation and cause your fingers and toes to be very sore and the tips of your ears or nose to turn white or blue and lose feeling and almost have a pain like frost bite.
  • Dr. Jason Kur MD,FRCP
    Dr. Jason Kur MD,FRCP Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 23 April 2015 Artus Health Centre
    Raynaud’s phenomenon is a blood vessel condition where people’s hands change colour upon exposure to cold.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 30 August 2015
      What conditions, besides Raynaud's, can cause color change and pain in the hands and fingers ?
  • Joy
    Joy 01 April 2015
    Can Raynaud's be prevented? Alternatively, can certain activities contribute to causing Raynaud's?
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
  • Alison O, B.Sc.
    Alison O, B.Sc. 26 March 2015
    Excellent question. I also experienced nipple vasospasm while pregnant and breastfeeding. My doctor indicated it may be Raynaud's. I experience the triphasic colour changes. I'm also interested if this increases my chances of developing a more severe issue
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 31 July 2015
      That's a good question. If you have Raynaud's of the nipple can it develop in the finger ?
  • T.Brown
    T.Brown 26 March 2015
    Raynaud's is also something that can be associated with breastfeeding. The symptoms showing up on the breast while baby is nursing. That is the only time I have experienced it, and it was very mild. Does that indicate a higher chance of developing a more severed issue with Raynaud's later?
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
  • Dee
    Dee 17 January 2015
    I think quitting smoking would be a good first step in increasing circulation and preventing the frequency of flare ups.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 09 March 2015
      People think of smoking in conjunction with various cancers. They often miss the effects it can have on other medical conditions that affect your circulatory system.
  • Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC
    Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 11 January 2015 Artus Health Centre
    Now, blood vessels naturally constrict when they are exposed to cold, but Raynaud’s phenomenon, it happens to a greater degree and this causes symptoms and those symptoms are the colour changes that I mentioned and sometimes patients report having numbness or tingling in their fingers as well.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 11 August 2015
      What are the other symptoms ? Would there be swelling of the finger ?
  • Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC
    Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 11 January 2015 Artus Health Centre
    In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • ShirleyG
      ShirleyG 30 January 2015
      Is there a way to overcome Raynaud's disease by increasing circulation ? Or, is this a permanent diagnosis once found ?
  • Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC
    Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 11 January 2015 Artus Health Centre
    Treatment of Raynaud's disease depends on its severity and whether you have other health conditions
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • ShirleyG
      ShirleyG 30 January 2015
      What is a typical treatment for managing Raynaud's Disease ?
  • Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC
    Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC 11 January 2015 Artus Health Centre
    Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud or Raynaud's phenomenon or syndrome. It appears to be more common in people who live in colder climates.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • ShirleyG
      ShirleyG 30 January 2015
      Why are women more susceptible to Raynaud's disease ?
  • Bernadette van der Boom-Bebb
    Bernadette van der Boom-Bebb 06 December 2014
    There are treatment options for Raynaud's. A rheumatologist could provide some treatment suggestions.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 06 December 2014
      Is Raynaud's a form of arthritis ?
  • Yuan Lew, MSc MBA
    Yuan Lew, MSc MBA 01 December 2014
    A very informative video on Raynaud's. I didn't realize that I do have Raynaud's. I now know to keep an eye on my condition just in case it gets worse.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • Ms. Sarah Ware RD
      Ms. Sarah Ware RD Registered Dietitian, North Vancouver, BC 06 January 2015
      Very interesting video. I also wonder if this is something that can come and go over time. I've known individuals to experience Raynaud's but go years without visible symptoms.
  • dbutchar
    dbutchar 26 November 2014
    It seems women are much more likely to suffer from Raynaud's disease than men and it is more common in cold climates. I think if the woman mentioned above has concerns that this could develop into something serious then she should absolutely see her doctor.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 23 December 2014
      Also I wonder why women get Raynaud's more than men do ?
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 10 December 2014
      I wonder if that is due to the frequent exposure to low temperatures
  • K. Michael
    K. Michael 26 November 2014
    Colour changes in the hands could be circulation related. She should see a doctor for a full evaluation
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
  • Karen Dancy
    Karen Dancy 25 November 2014
    Last winter, my middle finger on my right hand started going white, numb and tingling. I actually watched the colour drain from my finger. I started researching it and believe it's Raynaud's Disease. I found that once I had an episode, it would happen again a few times more over the next few weeks, and be fine. It even happened during the summer, when I was holding a very cold glass of water. I have not yet been to my doctor, because I don't know if there is anything that can be done.
    Reply to: Diagnosing and Managing Raynaud's Disease " Shelley is a 21-year-old woman "
    • K. Michael
      K. Michael 28 November 2014
      @ Karen Dancy if it's something that's been ongoing for a year or more you should really consult a physician

Are you a health practitioner that can treat conditions like the one explained here? Sign in to join the conversation as an expert.
Partner Sites: Heart Failure NOW, Diabetes NOW, Rheumatology NOW, Orthopedics NOW, Diabetic Retinopathy NOW, Smart Food NOW, NOW Health Network, Glaucoma NOW, Physiotherapy NOW Prostate Cancer NOW Obesity NOW
Copyright © 2022 NOW Health Network Corp
The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of this site is subject to our disclaimer and privacy policy.
QA Chat