Video - Raynaud phenomenon

Raynaud phenomenon is a condition in which due to cold temperatures or emotional stress, blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict and restrict blood supply in affected areas. This can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, brittle nails, and pain in the affected areas. In severe cases, fingers may turn white, reflecting ischemia, and then blue reflecting hypoxia, which is the low oxygen state that occurs after prolonged ischemia.

Raynaud phenomenon is common among pregnant women and people who work in jobs that cause lots of vibration, like using a jackhammer. It may also be a symptom of underlying conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, vasculitides, or Takayasu's arteritis. Treatment includes avoiding triggers like cold temperatures, stress, smoking, and caffeine, and occasionally using a medication like a calcium channel blocker to help with vasodilation of the arteries. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to cut the sympathetic nerve fibers supplying the affected areas and improve blood flow.