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Raynaud’s phenomenon

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

Medications to relax the walls of the blood vessels may be prescribed. Treatment of the underlying condition is important.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies depending on the cause and the severity of the phenomenon.

Complications:

If the condition gets worse, blood flow to the area could become permanently decreased causing the fingers to become thin and tapered, with smooth, shiny skin and slow growing nails. If an artery becomes blocked completely, gangrene or ulceration of the skin may occur.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have a history of Raynaud's phenomenon and the affected body part (arm, hand, leg, foot, or other part) develops an infection or ulceration.

• Review Date: 4/27/2007
• Reviewed By: Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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