In this condition, small blood vessels in the extremities suddenly narrow, restricting blood flow. In most cases, the underlying cause is unknown and the condition is known as Raynaud’s disease.
If there is an identifiable cause, it is called Raynaud’s phenomenon. Often the conditions are simply known collectively as Raynaud’s. Possible causes of Raynaud’s include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), scleroderma (an immune disorder that affects the skin), taking certain medications, and hand–arm vibration syndrome. Symptoms may be triggered by cold temperatures, stress, and smoking.
The fingers, toes, ears, or nose whiten, cool, and turn blue as the blood vessels narrow.
The vessels then widen again and blood flow increases, turning the tissues red.
There may also be numbness, pain, and tingling. In severe cases, Raynaud’s may lead to skin ulcers or gangrene (tissue death).
Symptoms can be avoided by keeping the extremities warm, and also by not smoking.
Medication may be prescribed in severe cases.

Othere related diseases

HEART ATTACK
Known medically as myocardial infarction, a heart attack is death of part of the heart muscle following a blockage in a coronary artery, or one of its branches,...

HEART FAILURE
Heart failure is the term used when the heart is unable to pump blood around the body effectively. It may develop quickly (acute heart failure), often as a resu...

HEART RHYTHM DISORDERS
Abnormalities of the heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmias) are caused by disturbances in the electrical system that controls the heartbeat. The heart has a natural...

HEART VALVE DISORDERS
Heart valve leakage Mitral valve prolapse The heart has four valves that ensure that blood flows in the correct direction around the heart. Their function may ...

HYPOTENSION
Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure. In its most common form, known as postural hypotension, dizziness or lightheadedness occur when a person...

INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS
The endocardium is the membrane that lines the inside of the heart and surfaces of the heart valves. In infective endocarditis, this membrane becomes inflamed d...

KAWASAKI DISEASE
Kawasaki disease is an illness that most commonly affects children under 5 and causes a prolonged fever. The cause is unknown. As well as a fever lasting 1 to 2...

PERICARDITIS
The pericardium is a two-layered membrane that surrounds the heart. In pericarditis, this membrane becomes inflamed, usually due to infection, but sometimes as ...