The NHS has issued a fresh warning over Raynaud's phenomenon, a common condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes. In a recent social media post, the health service highlighted that when individuals are cold, anxious, or stressed, their digits may change colour, indicating reduced circulation.
Raynaud's occurs when blood vessels overreact to cold or stress, constricting and temporarily restricting blood flow. Typical symptoms include fingers and toes turning white, becoming numb, or experiencing a tingling sensation. In some cases, the ears, nose, lips, and nipples may also be affected, with attacks lasting from minutes to hours.
While often harmless, the NHS advises seeking GP advice if symptoms are severe or worsening, or if there are concerns about underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Doctors may prescribe nifedipine, a medication typically used for high blood pressure, to improve circulation.
Lifestyle changes can also help manage Raynaud's. The NHS recommends staying warm, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting caffeine intake from tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate, as these can trigger symptoms.
For those experiencing frequent or painful attacks, support is available from charities like Scleroderma and Raynaud's UK (SRUK). The organisation notes that attacks may be accompanied by stinging or throbbing pain during warming, and can vary in frequency from occasional to daily.
