Do you have cold hands?

WE all get cold hands and feet from time to time – especially at this time of year. But for around 10 million people those chilly extremities are a sign of Raynaud’s disease. Here’s what you need to know...

1. IT NARROWS BLOOD VESSELS

Exposure to the cold normally makes blood vessels narrower, but when someone has Raynaud’s, the narrowing is more severe in the small blood vessels which can lead to more severe coldness and pain.

2. RAYNAUD’S CAN MAKE HANDS AND FEET CHANGE COLOUR

Extremities such as the hands or feet can change colour, from white to blue to red.

3. COLDNESS AND NUMBNESS

Areas like fingers and toes will feel cold and numb during a Raynaud’s attack.

4. TINGLING AND PAIN

As the circulation returns, people with Raynaud’s may feel tingling or pain.

5. IT DOESN’T JUST AFFECT HANDS AND FEET

As well as the hands and feet, the pain and coldness can also affect the lips, nose, ears and nipples.

6. STRESS IS ALSO A TRIGGER

As well as exposure to the cold, stress is a known trigger for Raynaud’s attacks.

7. RAYNAUD’S IS MORE COMMON IN WOMEN

Although anyone, including children and babies, can potentially get Raynaud’s, the condition is up to four times more likely in women than men, and before the age of 30.

8. THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF RAYNAUD’S

Most people diagnosed with Raynaud’s will have the ‘primary’ form of the condition, meaning there are no other complications. ‘Secondary’ Raynaud’s is far less common, and means it is caused by another underlying autoimmune condition, such as scleroderma or lupus.

9. IT MAY BE HEREDITARY

Raynaud’s could be hereditary, however, many people with primary Raynaud’s don’t have relatives with it and don’t know why they’ve developed the condition.

10. THERE ARE TREATMENTS

As well as keeping hands and feet warm, natural remedies may help or a change in diet to include omega-3 oils and antioxidant vitamins. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms are getting more severe.