Raynaud’s Disease Occurs During Cold Temperatures

Raynaud’s disease occurs when the body reacts abnormally to cold temperatures or stress, resulting in cold sensations in the hands and feet. The body naturally decreases blood supply to the extremities during exposure to cold temperatures in order to maintain the core body temperature. A person who develops Raynaud’s experiences an increase in this response. Vasospasm, or a constriction of blood vessels, occurs in the arteries of the fingers and toes and leads to decreased blood flow during an attack. Emotional stress also may induce a Raynaud’s attack. Women, as well as persons living in colder climates, are more likely to be affected by this condition. Although skin color may change with an attack, altered skin appearance is temporary.

Although mild symptoms of Raynaud’s may be alleviated through preventive measures, prescription medications are available for more severe symptoms. Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) and amlodipine (Norvasc), work to open up blood vessels and increase circulation to the hands and feet. Alpha blockers, such as prazosin (Minipress) and doxazosin (Cardura), may be prescribed. This last group of medications work to reduce constriction of blood vessels.