{"id":5020,"date":"2019-03-18T04:26:34","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T04:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5020"},"modified":"2021-03-29T16:30:17","modified_gmt":"2021-03-29T16:30:17","slug":"11-autoimmune-diseases-connected-to-raynauds-phenomenon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/11-autoimmune-diseases-connected-to-raynauds-phenomenon\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Autoimmune Diseases Connected to Raynaud\u2019s Phenomenon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon has been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases. When Raynaud is in the body it\u2019s likely that an underlying disease is what has brought it out. A person who has Raynaud\u2019s will usually experience numbness and coldness in certain parts of the body, such as the toes and fingers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional treatment besides wearing heavier clothing isn\u2019t needed for Raynaud\u2019s itself, but with autoimmune diseases, it could cause for additional treatment. There are eight autoimmune diseases that are connected to Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon. People with these diseases may not have Raynaud\u2019s, but it\u2019s something to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon has been linked to a number of autoimmune diseases. When Raynaud is in the body it\u2019s likely that an underlying disease is what has brought it out. A person who has Raynaud\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t needed for Raynaud\u2019s itself, but with autoimmune diseases, it could cause for additional treatment. There are eight autoimmune diseases that are connected to Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon. People with these diseases may not have Raynaud\u2019s, but it\u2019s something to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lupus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

is connected to Raynaud\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order for the blood to get back to the affected area, warm clothing needs to be placed over it. With lupus <\/a>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Scleroderma <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

is a disease that is connected to Raynaud\u2019s by it causes the toes and fingers to become numb when in a cold climate? Scleroderma <\/a>itself affects the skin. It causes hardening and tightening of the skin, which can be detrimental when in cold temperatures. When living with this disease, moisturizing the skin is good for mild cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When dealing with the disease on top of Raynaud\u2019s wearing warm mittens and heavy-duty socks will help the fingers and toes out in frigid temperatures. The hands shouldn\u2019t be put at risk of getting cold, such as playing in the snow with the kids. Snow itself is cold and can seep through gloves and mittens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A person may have to watch on the sidelines with warm clothing on. If a person feels that they have enough warm clothing and an episode won\u2019t happen, he or she should be good when standing outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Buerger disease <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

can cause secondary Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon in severe cases. In Buerger\u2019s disease, it occurs in the legs and arms. When the blood <\/a>is unable to move through the body properly, blood clots can form. It can cause the fingers and legs to turn color because of the clots. The disease is rare, but when it occurs, one way to help get the blood flowing again is by wearing warm mittens or gloves on the hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the condition is on the legs, wearing two pairs of pants should make the blood flow again. Blood clot medication may need to be taken in order to get rid of the clots. Gangrene can develop in the fingers are well. When this happens, it may cause the person to have their fingers removed. A person will need to stop using all types of tobacco products. Even a couple of tobacco products can make the condition worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Pulmonary hypertension <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

is related to Raynaud\u2019s because blood vessels carry blood to the heart and lungs. If the blood is unable to reach the heart, it has to pump harder. When blood can\u2019t get to the organs, it can cause coldness and numbness. The blood needs to circulate throughout the body. A person who suffers from pulmonary hypertension <\/a>may be cold all of the time because the blood isn\u2019t circulating throughout the body correctly. They may always complain of being cold when in fact it\u2019s nice and warm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain parts of the body will swell up like the feet and hands. The blood vessels are unable to carry blood through these parts and are causing the swelling. When swelling is present, the pain will be felt, just like in Raynaud\u2019s. Once these areas are warm enough, the swelling should start to go down and the blood can begin to flow through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Polymyositis is connected to Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It affects the blood vessels that operate the muscles. The muscles become stiff and painful. In Raynaud\u2019s the toes, fingers, cheeks become pale when exposed to cold weather. With polymyositis<\/a>, when exposed to cold temperatures, it can make the condition worse. The joints will be unable to move properly because there is tissue damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important that a person with this condition protects the body with warm clothing because it can cause an attack. With Raynaud, if a person is in cold temperatures for too long, their hands and feet will be unable to move. If at all possible, a person should avoid going out when it\u2019s cold when dealing with this disease. If a person does have to go out, it\u2019s important to wear clothing that will cover from head to toe because, with polymyositis, the face can be affected as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Rheumatoid arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

is related to Raynaud\u2019s because in both diseases, there is tissue damage and the hands and feet are usually affected. There is no blood going through the hands and feet and can cause swelling <\/a>and a cold sensation. Whenever a person is exposed to cold temperatures, both diseases can get worse. In order to get relief from both conditions, it\u2019s good to protect the part of the body that\u2019s affected, such as the hands or feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the hands are affected, it\u2019s difficult to do things, such as pick up a spoon. The pain will be felt in the hands. If the feet are affected, it can be difficult to walk.  A cane may be needed to assist the person. These areas should always have warm clothing on them. It may be a good idea to double clothing. For instance, wearing two pairs of socks and gloves to get the blood flowing again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Cryoglobulinemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

is connected to Raynaud\u2019s because they both can affect the limbs in the cold temperatures. With cryoglobulinemia<\/a>, the hands and feet can change color in cold weather. With Raynaud\u2019s, there is no feeling in the fingers and toes because they are cold and numb. The reason for this is because there is too much protein in the blood when a person has cryoglobulinemia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The protein will clump together in cold temperatures, which will cause the hands and feet to become numb and change color. In Raynaud\u2019s, there is a limited supply of blood going to this part of the body. To avoid any cold attacks, a person should wear warm clothing when exposed to cold temperatures, whether it\u2019s inside or outside. Both conditions can be treated with the right medication. Whichever part of the body is affected, it\u2019s important to wear the right clothing over it to stay warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Sjogren syndrome <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

is another autoimmune disease that is connected to Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon. With Sjogren<\/a>, a person may have dry mouth and eyes. In order for a person to get relief using artificial tears can help. It has been reported that up to 30% of people with Sjogren syndrome have Raynaud\u2019s. Their fingers and toes change in color whenever a person is exposed to cold weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A person may also have numbness and coldness in the fingers and toes when suffering from stress. It\u2019s important for a person to learn how to manage their stress by taking yoga for instance. Finding a quiet space, closing the eyes, and breathing slowly is another way to handle stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As stated before, wearing warm clothing over affected areas at all times can help out a great deal when dealing with Raynaud\u2019s phenomenon. Both conditions are self-treatable, but in some cases, the prescription medication must be taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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