Raynaud's ( Phenomenon,
Condition, Disease )
Raynaud's phenomenon (pronounce ray-noze) is a condition that makes
it harder for blood to reach certain areas of the body.
This happens because blood vessels under the skin tighten. When
blood does not reach parts of the body, these areas may turn blue
and feel cold. Most often Raynaud's phenomenon affects the fingers
and toes. It can alse affect the ears and nose.
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Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition
resulting from poor circulation in the extremeties ( i.e.
fingers and toes). In a person with Raynaud's when his or
her skin is exposed to cold or the person becomes emotionally
upset , the blood vessels under the skin tighten and the blood
flow slow. This is called "vasospasm."
Hands and feet have fewer large blood vessels and, therefore
when a vasospasm occurs, it is harder for the blood to keep
flowing and these areas may turn blue because less oxygen
is reaching the skin. The skin will also feel cold because
less blood is reaching the skin to keep it warm. While attack
of vasospasm may last from minutes to hours, only rarely do
they cause severe tissue damage. |
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