Raynaud’s…what is that?? Sometimes called Raynaud’s Phenomenon or Raynaud’s Syndrome, this condition causes the smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow. Blood flow is then flow to affected areas, which is called vasospasm. This generally happen with temperature fluctuations, exposing skin to cold, or stress.
When your skin is the waxy white color(like my cute foot photos below), there is very little feeling. I always have issues with my hands and feet in cold weather, but also getting in and out of the shower or stepping into air conditioning when it’s hot. My hands act up when I am getting things out of the freezer, cold water, or even mixing up meatballs with my hands.
Sometimes the restricted blood flow lasts only seconds or minutes, however it can last much longer. Lack of blood flow impacts nerves as well as blood vessels. This causes the nerves to become stimulated or irritated, resulting in a “pins-and-needles” tingling. Over time, nerves can become damaged and you can ultimately loose sensation completely. I have small fiber neuropathy which is also damaging my nerves in my feet and legs. Between the two conditions I can’t feel heat, cold, sharp, or pain. All I have left sensation-wise is pressure. If my Raynaud’s is really bad (very cold day) I loose the pressure sensation as well. I have to check my feet every night for cuts, splinters, burns, etc…because I can’t feel these things and with restricted blood flow healing is slowed. So when I shower I look them over carefully so I can treat any injuries right away. My Sjogren’s adds to this by making the skin on my feet so dry that they crack.
There are two types of Raynaud’s syndrome – primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s occurs on its own, without any associated autoimmune or connective tissue disease. It rarely causes tissue damage like ulceration, but it can happen. Secondary usually occurs (or worsens) later in life and can potentially more serious. Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome may evolve into a connective tissue disease such as scleroderma. Secondary Raynaud’s can start to affect the internal organs. Poor growing or weak nails, ulcers of the skin or even gangrene are possible, especially if you have Secondary Raynaud’s.
