How to treat or cure raynauds disease

Raynaud's disease (also called Raynaud's phenomenon) is a condition in which the small blood vessels of the fingers and toes tighten too much in response to cold or stress. The skin often turns white, then blue, then red as blood flow returns. It can feel numb, cold, tingly or painful. There is no single cure, but most people control it well with simple habits, and some need medicine.

Start with what helps most

• Keep the whole body warm, not just the hands. A cold core makes the fingers and toes close down faster.
• Wear gloves or mittens before you go out in the cold, and also when you reach into a freezer or hold cold drinks.
• Use warm socks and shoes, a hat and layers. Hand warmers and heated gloves are useful in winter.
• Avoid smoking and nicotine, which tighten the vessels further.
• Limit caffeine if you notice it triggers attacks.
• Manage stress with slow breathing, walking or other relaxing routines, since stress is a common trigger.
• Exercise regularly, because good circulation reduces the number of attacks.

During an attack Move to a warm place, put your hands under warm (not hot) water, wiggle your fingers and toes, and gently massage them. Do not use very hot water or a heater directly, because numb skin burns easily.

Medical treatment A doctor will first check whether Raynaud's is on its own (primary) or linked to another illness such as lupus, scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis, or to a medicine or job that uses vibrating tools. Treating the cause matters. When attacks are frequent or severe, doctors may prescribe a calcium channel blocker such as nifedipine, or other medicines that widen blood vessels. Some medicines, such as certain beta blockers, decongestants and migraine drugs, can make Raynaud's worse, so tell your doctor about everything you take.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Ayurveda may describe cold, numb extremities as a Vata imbalance with reduced circulation. Warm oil massage of the limbs, warm foods and gentle yoga are traditional supportive habits. Evidence for herbal treatments in Raynaud's is limited, so treat these as an addition to, not a replacement for, medical care. Check with a doctor before any herb, especially if you take blood pressure or blood thinning medicine.

When to see a doctor urgently Get medical help promptly if a fingertip or toe develops a sore, a break in the skin, black or blue skin that does not recover, or signs of infection. These can mean the blood supply is too low and need quick treatment. Also see a doctor if attacks begin after age 40, affect only one side, or come with joint pain, rash or skin thickening.

Remember Raynaud's can usually be managed. Keep warm, avoid triggers, and see a doctor to rule out an underlying cause.