Could I have Raynaud's disease?I have a summer job working in a supermarket and noticed that when stocking the freezer my fingers go very white and feel numb. This has happened before but usually only during the winter.
Raynaud's disease is a circulatory disorder that affects the extremities such as the fingers and toes, but can affect the ears, cheeks and chin. It occurs when the small arteries in the extremities go into spasm and constrict, resulting in insufficient blood reaching these parts. The areas affected become pale or redden and feel numb or tingle. In severe cases, the sufferer experiences considerable pain in the extremities.
Is it a hereditary condition as my mother was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease when she was in her early 20s?
Raynaud's disease can be hereditary in some individuals. The condition affects more women than men, with the first episode occurring between the late teens and 40. Exposure to cold, anxiety and stress can all precipitate an attack. Smoking, which causes constriction of the blood vessels, can contribute to the disease. Over time the condition can result in a deterioration in the blood supply to the affected areas, which may lead to skin ulceration. Although less common, Raynaud's can occur as a result of another condition such as scleroderma or lupus (both connective tissue diseases) and rheumatoid arthritis.
My mum had a test done with cold water to diagnose the condition. How does this work?
The cold stimulation test measures the temperature changes before, during and after exposure to cold. Prior to immersion of the hands in ice water for 20 seconds, temper- ature monitors are placed on each of the fingers to record the changes in the temperature. Once the hands are removed from the cold water, temperature is recorded every five minutes until it returns to normal. Although in most people this takes approximately 15 minutes, in a person with Raynaud's it can take 20 or more to return to pre-test temperature level. Treatment involves keeping the extremities warm particularly when there is a possibility of coming in contact with cold surfaces such as freezers. Avoid smoking and activities which put pressure on the digits, such as typing or using vibrating tools, as they may precipitate an attack. Medication can help with symptom control so consult your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and advice. For more information contact the Irish Raynaud's and Scleroderma Society at tel: 01-2020184.