INFO - Questions and answers about Raynaud's phenomenon

[Guest guest]

Thanks, .

The Rheumy i am seeing mentioned i had this on my first visit but has left the

subject alone since...perhaps the AS is overshadowing this one.

At least now, i can read up on it and form some intelligent (?) questions...

Thanks for always being there for us with answers and infomation.

CAT/Jan =^..^=

<Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

(NIAMS)

Publication Date May 2001

" Questions and Answers about Raynaud's Phenomenon " :

http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/raynaud/ar125fs.htm

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[Guest guest]

Thanks, .

The Rheumy i am seeing mentioned i had this on my first visit but has left the

subject alone since...perhaps the AS is overshadowing this one.

At least now, i can read up on it and form some intelligent (?) questions...

Thanks for always being there for us with answers and infomation.

CAT/Jan =^..^=

<Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

(NIAMS)

Publication Date May 2001

" Questions and Answers about Raynaud's Phenomenon " :

http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/raynaud/ar125fs.htm

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

[Guest guest]

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

May 2001

Excerpt from:

" Questions and Answers About Raynaud's Phenomenon " :

What Is the Treatment for Raynaud's Phenomenon?

The aims of treatment are to reduce the number and severity of attacks and

to prevent tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes. Most doctors are

conservative in treating patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's

phenomenon; that is, they recommend nondrug treatments and self-help

measures first. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, usually

those with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, patients are treated

for any underlying disease or condition that causes secondary Raynaud's

phenomenon.

Nondrug Treatments and Self-Help Measures

Several nondrug treatments and self-help measures can decrease the severity

of Raynaud's attacks and promote overall well-being.

Take action during an attack--An attack should not be ignored. Its

length and severity can be lessened by a few simple actions. The first and

most important action is to warm the hands or feet. In cold weather, people

should go indoors. Running warm water over the fingers or toes or soaking

them in a bowl of warm water will warm them. Taking time to relax will

further help to end the attack. If a stressful situation triggers the

attack, a person can help stop the attack by getting out of the stressful

situation and relaxing. People who are trained in biofeedback can use this

technique along with warming the hands or feet in water to help lessen the

attack.

Keep warm--It is important not only to keep the extremities warm but

also to avoid chilling any part of the body. In cold weather, people with

Raynaud's phenomenon must pay particular attention to dressing. Several

layers of loose clothing, socks, hats, and gloves or mittens are

recommended. A hat is important because a great deal of body heat is lost

through the scalp. Feet should be kept dry and warm. Some people find it

helpful to wear mittens and socks to bed during winter. Chemical warmers,

such as small heating pouches that can be placed in pockets, mittens, boots,

or shoes, can give added protection during long periods outdoors. People who

have secondary Raynaud's phenomenon should talk to their doctors before

exercising outdoors in cold weather.

People with Raynaud's phenomenon should also be aware that air

conditioning can trigger attacks. Turning down the air conditioning or

wearing a sweater may help prevent attacks. Some people find it helpful to

use insulated drinking glasses and to put on gloves before handling frozen

or refrigerated foods.

Quit smoking--The nicotine in cigarettes causes the skin temperature

to drop, which may lead to an attack.

Control stress--Because stress and emotional upsets may trigger an

attack, particularly for people who have primary Raynaud's phenomenon,

learning to recognize and avoid stressful situations may help control the

number of attacks. Many people have found that relaxation or biofeedback

training can help decrease the number and severity of attacks. Biofeedback

training teaches people to bring the temperature of their fingers under

voluntary control. Local hospitals and other community organizations, such

as schools, often offer programs in stress management.

Exercise--Many doctors encourage patients who have Raynaud's

phenomenon, particularly the primary form, to exercise regularly. Most

people find that exercise promotes overall well-being, increases energy

level, helps control weight, and promotes restful sleep. Patients with

Raynaud's phenomenon should talk to their doctors before starting an

exercise program.

See a doctor--People with Raynaud's phenomenon should see their

doctors if they are worried or frightened about attacks or if they have

questions about caring for themselves. They should always see their doctors

if attacks occur only on one side of the body (one hand or one foot) and any

time an attack results in sores or ulcers on the fingers or toes.

Treatment With Medications

People with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon are more likely than those with

the primary form to be treated with medications. Many doctors believe that

the most effective and safest drugs are calcium-channel blockers, which

relax smooth muscle and dilate the small blood vessels. These drugs decrease

the frequency and severity of attacks in about two-thirds of patients who

have primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. These drugs also can help

heal skin ulcers on the fingers or toes.

Other patients have found relief with drugs called alpha blockers that

counteract the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood

vessels. Some doctors prescribe a nonspecific vasodilator (drug that relaxes

blood vessels), such as nitroglycerine paste, which is applied to the

fingers, to help heal skin ulcers. Patients should keep in mind that the

treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon is not always successful. Often, patients

with the secondary form will not respond as well to treatment as those with

the primary form of the disorder.

Patients may find that one drug works better than another. Some people may

experience side effects that require stopping the medication. For other

people, a drug may become less effective over time. Women of childbearing

age should know that the medications used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon may

affect the growing fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are trying to

become pregnant should avoid taking these medications if possible.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/raynaud/ar125fs.htm

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org