February 10, 2023
3 to 12% of men and 6 to 20% of women: Raynaud’s disease, also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon or syndrome, is a blood circulation disorder that most often occurs in the fingers. Exposure to cold is the main triggering factor.
When it is cold, the blood vessels contract to favor the irrigation of the vital organs and maintain the body temperature at 37°C. Consequence: the extremities, in other words the fingers, ears, nose, lips and toes, are more vulnerable to the cold. This is why it is recommended to cover yourself well.
This vasoconstriction is a normal and partial phenomenon: “the extremities continue to be slightly irrigated by blood”, says the medical dictionary Vidal. But there are exceptions: in people with Raynaud’s disease, vasoconstriction is total, “which deprives the extremities of oxygen and leads to the symptoms of this disease”.
Forme primitive
These can be spectacular, and follow one another over a period ranging from a few minutes to several hours. First, the blood vessels constrict: “affected parts become white, cold and numb”. Then these areas turn blue, before becoming red once more, with “burning-like sensations, tingling, throbbing, even swelling”. This last phase marks the return of blood to the parts concerned.
In 90% of cases, the cause of this excessive and temporary response to cold is not known: it is the primary form of Raynaud’s disease. It most commonly affects young, healthy women. Factors other than cold can trigger symptoms: “a change in temperature, exposure to humidity, emotions, stress”, list Medicare. And between crises, “the fingers look normal, without ulcers or scars”. Without consequences for health, Raynaud’s disease in its primitive form disappears following a few years.
To note : There is a secondary form of Raynaud’s disease, usually a consequence of another disorder such as lupus, carpal tunnel syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. This form can lead to complications (ulcers on the skin of the fingers). It occurs in people over the age of 40.
