Female Focus
Page 15
Your Lifestyle magazine
Raynaud’s Phenomenon by Dr. Colin Evans
Raynaud’s phenomenon is quite common affecting around 1/ 20 people, with more women than men having the condition.
Primary Raynaud’s. All the fingers on both hands are affected. It may run in the family and has no known cause. Onset is normally under the age of 30. This type may sometimes disappear of its own accord.
Secondary Raynaud’s. Associated with existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, M.S. or other conditions that affect the blood vessels, nerves, skin or joints. Symptoms normally start with just 1 or 2 fingers on 1 hand. Secondary Raynaud’s accounts for only 1/10 cases.
• Smoking can make symptoms worse. The chemicals in tobacco can cause the small blood vessels to narrow. If you stop smoking, you may ease or possibly cure the problem.
• Some drugs that are used to treat other conditions sometimes trigger symptoms, or make them worse. The drug may cause the blood vessels to narrow. Such drugs include: beta- blockers, some anti-migraine medicines, decongestants, and, in very rare cases, the contraceptive pill. Never stop taking a prescribed drug unless your Doctor is in agreement.
• Other drugs. Caffeine (in tea, coffee, cola and in some painkillers) triggers symptoms in some people. Try cutting out caffeine for a few weeks to see if it helps. Amfetamines and cocaine may also trigger attacks.
You should see your Doctor in order to rule out an underlying cause for your symptoms but in the meantime you should:
Keep your whole body warm, not just your hands and feet.
If you have severe symptoms, or symptoms that are easily triggered, then portable heat packs and battery heated gloves and socks are useful.
Use a towel or gloves when removing food from the freezer or working with cold food.
Exercise regularly including your hands and feet to improve the circulation.
Warm the affected hands or feet as soon as possible when you have an attack. Soaking the hands or feet in warm running water is a good way to get warm (but take care that the water does not become too hot, or lose its heat and become cool).
Raynaud’s is often mild and requires no treatment. Sometimes stopping a certain drug or treating an underlying condition is all that is needed. However should it be necessary, treatment is available and should be discussed with your Doctor.
For more information or to make an appointment please call ‘The English Medical Clinic’ Albir 966 868 013 or see their advert above.
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