Raynaud’s Awareness Month February 2019
Raynaud’s (Ray-nose) and Scleroderma affects millions of us in the UK, yet so many people remain undiagnosed or deal with the impact alone. They’re calling on everyone affected to unite and create a world where there is much greater awareness and understanding of the two conditions and their impact, a world where diagnosis happens earlier and much better treatment and care is available to everyone who is affected.
They are working to create a better world for people with Scleroderma and Raynaud’s.
On their website ( www.sruk.co.uk ) you will find information on:
• The Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s
• The Difference Between Primary and Secondary Raynaud’s
• Managing The Condition At Home
• Medical Treatments Available
• The Link Between Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Explained
• Who We Are and What We Do
The Signs and Symptoms of Raynaud’s
Early signs of Raynaud’s are when you are subjected to extreme reactions to the cold or any slight change in temperature, the extremities change colour and can be extremely painful.
Initially one or two fingers may turn white and feel numb. This can occur occasionally or regularly with all the fingers eventually becoming involved. It can be concerning at first, especially if the fingers then change to a bluish colour followed by bright red.
These symptoms are a normal a part of the condition, it is also worth noting not all symptoms are the same for any two people, but in all accounts, when the circulation returns, the usual colour of your hands/ feet is restored.
Top Five Signs of Raynaud’s
1. Cold fingers and toes
2. Colour changes in the skin in response to
temperature changes or stress
3. Colour changes in the affected area to white, then blue
and then red
4. Numbness, tingling or pain in the fingers and toes
5. Stinging or throbbing pain upon warming or stress relief
These symptoms can last for minutes, or even up to several hours.
If you are experiencing the symptoms and they are extreme or frequent then it is worth making an appointment with a GP to explore your symptoms further.
If these colour changes are occurring in the hands and possibly in the feet, nose, ears, lips, tongue or in the nipples (usually noticed during breastfeeding), a diagnosis of Raynaud’s is likely to be given.
Your GP can do a simple blood test to establish if you have Raynaud’s and whether it is the primary or secondary form of the condition.
VISIT THE WEBSITE OR FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK – @WeAreSRUK
Back to news
