The “syndrome” or “Raynaud’s disease” is a blood circulation disorder affecting the extremities. Hence the phenomenon of white fingers at the end in people who suffer from it. Causes, treatments: discovery.
Your fingers are very quickly white at the end when he does cold ? You may have what is called the syndrome, disease or rather “Raynaud’s phenomenon“. This condition characterizes a blood circulation disorder. What are the causes ? What to do ? Should you consult? Explanations with our dermatologist.
What is Raynaud’s disease?
We talk about “Raynaud’s syndrome” but “the real term is ‘Raynaud’s phenomenon’ which is the clinical description”immediately announces Dr. Jean-Benoît Monfort, dermatologist and member of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD). This is a blood circulation disorder affecting the extremities. “The fingers are most often affected, more rarely the toes and exceptionally the ears or the nose. says the doctor. We distinguish :
- “Raynaud’s disease which is the so-called ‘primitive’ cause, i.e. without underlying cause,
- Raynaud’s phenomenon which is a secondary symptom to underlying diseases.
“It’s about a hyper-reactivity of the microcirculation during a exposure to cold“ continues Dr. Monfort. In this case, the vessels that irrigate the periphery of the body present a reduction in their diameter, this is called a “vasoconstriction“. This allows as much blood as possible can be sent to vital organs first which are privileged as the heart, the lungs and the brain. The blood circulation which irrigates these extremities is thus slowed down, thus explaining their cooling. In a person with Raynaud’s disease, the narrowing of the arteries is excessive and decreases blood circulation.
What are the causes of Raynaud’s disease?
“Raynaud’s disease has no real cause. It typically occurs in young woman, often with a family background [souvent héréditaire]”, continues Jean-Benoît Monfort. Raynaud’s disease, benign, represents more than 80% of cases. In rarer cases, Raynaud’s phenomenon may be secondary to “autoimmune diseases (systemic sclerosis, lupus)there taking certain medications (beta blockers, tryptans used for migraines) or drugs (cocaine)professional causes (vibrating engine disease in humans who regularly use a jackhammer)of the cancer (to be feared in men typically, smokers)but also some blood diseases (malignant hemopathies, monoclonal gammopathies) or some endocrine pathologies (hypothyroidism, acromegaly)“.
“The fingers are white then red”
What are the characteristic symptoms?
“THE fingers suddenly turn white with a numbness. This criterion is essential. Sometimes they then become blue then after warming they turn redsecondary to reflex vasodilatation, with tingling sensation”, explains Jean-Benoît Monfort. All of these disorders are reversible. A crisis can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
The diagnosis is clinical. “It is done through a examination of the patient and sometimes thanks to Pictures which he brought.” Any additional examinations will be carried out, such as blood tests to look for certain autoimmune diseases and a capillaroscopya painless examination that allows the study of the capillaries of the skin. “If both of these exams are normal, then it is primary Raynaud’s phenomenon, with no underlying disease, that does not require follow-up.” Moreover, these examinations will make it possible not to confuse Raynaud’s phenomenon with acrocyanosisvery frequent, which is also manifested by bluish fingers in winter. “This pathology also develops in classically thin young women. It is perfectly benign and does not require any check-up”reassures Jean-Benoît Monfort.
What are the treatments for Raynaud’s disease?
“Any Raynaud’s phenomenon must be explored”
There is no no treatment definitive to cure these affections. People affected by Raynaud’s disease never even take medication, unlike those affected by secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. “THE calcium channel blockers are then used in first intention. These are drugs usually used for high blood pressure. They allow to dilate the small vessels and relieve the symptoms well. In severe cases, intravenous infusions are carried out in the hospital, develops Jean-Benoît Monfort. On the other hand, for people with Raynaud’s disease, simple things can and should be put in place. “Protection against the cold is essential: glove ports, small heaters to put in the pocket… It must also protect the arms and trunkSO wear warm clothes.“
When to consult?
Consult your doctor as soon as this phenomenon appears, so that he can refer you to a dermatologist or a vascular doctor. “Any Raynaud’s phenomenon should be explored, even if it looks benign in a young woman” confirms Jean-Benoît Monfort.
When to worry?
A Raynaud’s phenomenon is worrying when it occurs after about 35 years, whether it affects the man, only one hand or when it is accompanied by small spontaneous ulcerations of the fingertips. In such cases, “The management must be rapid because there is very likely an underlying disease of which Raynaud’s phenomenon is one of the manifestations”.
Prevention
Raynaud’s phenomenon improves with weight gain and tends to improve with age in the primary forms. In addition, smoking cessation is mandatory because it is toxic to blood vessels and promotes vasospasm. “There is no way to prevent Raynaud’s phenomenon apart from avoiding smoking. Once reached, the best way remains prevention against the cold”concludes Jean-Benoît Monfort.
Thanks to Dr Jean-Benoît Monfort, dermatologist and member of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD).