Raynaud's disease, condition, or Phenomenon - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Raynaud's? ( phenomenon, condition, disease)

A. Reynaud's (pronounced ray -nose) is a common condition is which the blood supply to the fingers and toes and sometimes the ears and nose, is temporarily slowed down because the blood vessels go into a spasm ("vasospasm") and restrict the flow of blood causing these areas to become cold.

Q. Where does the name "Raynaud's" originate?

A. Raynaud's is named after the French doctor Maurice Raynaud, who first described the condition in the mid 1800's. The condition is also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, syndrome or disease.

Q. What are the symptoms?

A. During an attack the hands take on a white waxy like appearance, feel dead and useless. They may then turn blue/purple in colour and finally red when the blood starts to flow back. This final stage may be accompanied by a burning feeling, considerable pain or numbness.

Q. Who suffers from Reyaud's?

A. Anyone at any age can develop Raynaud's which affects millions of people. Women are much more likely than men to develop the condition. It is not an 'old persons' condition as many sufferes are teenagers. Raynaud's can develop spontaneously, although it can be hereditary and amongst teenagers associated with hormonal changes in puberty.

Q. What causes an attack of Raynaud's?

A. An attack is caused by exposure to the cold or a slight change in temperature . Symptoms are usually worse in winter but may still occur during warm weather even in the summer. Additionally, attacks can be triggered by smoking and becoming emotionally upset.

Q. What happens during an attack?

A. During an attack, the blood vessels under the sking tighten, causing the blood flow to slow. (this is called a 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 become cold because less blood is reaching the skin to keep it warm. It may also turn blue because less oxygen is reaching the skin via the bloodstream.

Q. How long does an attack last?

A. Attacks may last from minutes to hours.

Q. How seriously should the symptoms be taken?

A. Raynaud's should be taken seriously as a problem. As well as being a nuisance, it can be painful and embarrassing and restrict your lifestyle. For younger people it can be difficult to explain to friends why you can't always join in with activities.

Q. What additional precautions should I take during an attack?

A. During an a attack when your hands are cold and numb, you may not be able to tell the difference between hot and cold and you may lose your grip - you should watch out, making sure you don't burn yourself or have an accident.

Q. What can I do to prevent attacks happening?

A. As attacks are caused by exposure to the cold and and changes in temperature avoid touching cold surfaces and protect yourself from the elements by wearing extra layers of clothing, gloves, warm socks, scarves etc

Q. How to rewarm you hands?

A. Use warm not hot water to rewarm your hands. Warm air hand dryers in public places are effective for warming the hands.

Q. Are there more convenient ways to warm your hands than wearing gloves?

A. Covering the wrists provides a degree of benefit because the blood vessels to the hands are very close to the skin surface in this area. This method of warming is more convenient than wearing gloves and there are wristbands available with heat pads ( the pad is heated either by microwave or chemical reaction). The downside of this is the inconvenience of having to heat the pads, and that the pads quickly lose heat. There is however a new product available Heatbands which may help you.

Q. How do Heatbands™ work?

A. Heatbands™ insulate the vulnerable area around the wrist where the blood vessels lie close to the skins surface they also retain and reflect the bodies own heat back to that area . This maintains the temperature of the blood flowing through the wrists into the hands allowing a better flow of warm blood into the fingers.

Q. How Long Can Heatbands™ be worn?

A. Heatbands™ may be worn for up to 24 hours but it is recommended that they are changed daily to ensure maximum efficiency and hygiene.

Q. Can HeatBands be re-used?

A. Heatbands may be re-used but for maximum efficiency and hygiene it is recommended that Heatbands are treated as a single use product.

Q. Do Heatbands contain any chemicals or substance that can harm me?

A. No Heatbands are produced from natural and man made fibres combined with high tech materials that are perfectly safe for use next to the skin.

Q. Can Heatbands burn me?

A. No HeatBands do not introduce heat they work by utilising the body's own heat.

Q. Are Heatbands safe for all age groups?

A. Yes Heatbands may be used by the young and old though we recommend that the use by very young children is supervised.

Q.Can Heatbands be worn during pregnancy?

A. Yes Heatbands are perfectly safe for use during pregnancy.

Q. How much do Heatbands cost?

A. Heatbands are inexpensive only £19.95 for months supply (pack of 60)

To gain the most benefit from HeatBands™wear them all day every day.