11 Autoimmune Diseases Connected to Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon has been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases. When Raynaud is in the body it’s likely that an underlying disease is what has brought it out. A person who has Raynaud’s will usually experience numbness and coldness in certain parts of the body, such as the toes and fingers.

The reason for this is when in a cold climate, the blood is unable to reach the skin because of the smaller arteries. This causes the affected area or areas to become cold. In order for the affected area to become warm again, putting on heavy clothing over the area, such as heavy socks and gloves.

Additional treatment besides wearing heavier clothing isn’t needed for Raynaud’s itself, but with autoimmune diseases, it could cause for additional treatment. There are eight autoimmune diseases that are connected to Raynaud’s phenomenon. People with these diseases may not have Raynaud’s, but it’s something to consider.

Raynaud’s phenomenon has been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases. When Raynaud is in the body it’s likely that an underlying disease is what has brought it out. A person who has Raynaud’s will usually experience numbness and coldness in certain parts of the body, such as the toes and fingers. The reason for this is when in a cold climate, the blood is unable to reach the skin because of the smaller arteries. This causes the affected area or areas to become cold.

In order for the affected area to become warm again, putting on heavy clothing over the area, such as heavy socks and gloves. Additional treatment besides wearing heavier clothing isn’t needed for Raynaud’s itself, but with autoimmune diseases, it could cause for additional treatment. There are eight autoimmune diseases that are connected to Raynaud’s phenomenon. People with these diseases may not have Raynaud’s, but it’s something to consider.

1. Lupus

is connected to Raynaud’s because it causes the toes and fingers to become cold. When this happens, it is linked to the phenomenon. A person who lives in a cold climate will experience these symptoms. The blood is unable to reach the affected areas because the nerves and blood vessels are constricted.

In order for the blood to get back to the affected area, warm clothing needs to be placed over it. With lupus and Raynaud, stress can bring on symptoms. Yoga and other stress management techniques are beneficial. Avoid putting hands in cold water or taking cold items out of the freezer.

Always remember to wear gloves when taking cold items out of the freezer and use warm water when washing dishes. Any little bit of cold air or water can trigger an attack.  In addition to warm clothing and taking preventive measures, medication may need to be taken to help relax the blood vessels.