Patient Education: Raynaud’s Syndrome

What It Is

Raynaud’s Syndrome is a condition that affects blood flow to certain parts of the body, usually the fingers and toes. When you get cold or feel stressed, the small blood vessels in these areas tighten (spasm), which reduces blood flow. This can cause your skin to change color, feel numb, or hurt.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Triggers: Cold weather, air conditioning, stress, or emotional upset.
  
  

• Primary Raynaud’s: Happens on its own, usually less serious.
  
  

• Secondary Raynaud’s: Linked to other health problems like lupus, scleroderma, or certain injuries.
  
  

• Risk factors:
  
  

  • Being female
    
    

  • Age 15–40
    
    

  • Family history of Raynaud’s
    
    

  • Smoking
    
    

  • Repetitive hand use (typing, vibrating tools)
    
    

  • Certain medicines that narrow blood vessels
    
    

Signs and Symptoms

• Early warning signs: Fingers or toes turn white, then blue, then red
  
  

• Tingling or numbness
  
  

• Cold feeling in fingers or toes
  
  

• Pain or throbbing as blood returns
  
  

• Sometimes ears, nose, lips, or nipples can be affected
  
  

Possible Complications if Untreated or Not Following Care Plan

• Permanent damage to skin and tissues
  
  

• Ulcers (sores) that heal slowly
  
  

• In rare cases, loss of part of a finger or toe (gangrene)
  
  

• Increased risk of infection in affected areas
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Goals: Improve blood flow, prevent attacks, and protect skin.

• Stay warm:
  
  

  • Wear gloves, warm socks, hats, and scarves in cold weather.
    
    

  • Use mittens instead of gloves for better warmth.
    
    

  • Warm up your car before driving in winter.
    
    

• Avoid sudden temperature changes:
  
  

  • Keep home warm in winter.
    
    

  • Use insulated cups for cold drinks.
    
    

• Manage stress:
  
  

  • Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise.
    
    

• Protect your skin:
  
  

  • Moisturize daily to prevent cracks.
    
    

  • Avoid injuries to hands and feet.
    
    

• Quit smoking: Smoking narrows blood vessels and makes symptoms worse.
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• Calcium channel blockers (ex: nifedipine, amlodipine): Help open blood vessels. Side effects: swelling in feet/ankles, headache, flushing.
  
  

• Vasodilators (ex: nitroglycerin ointment): Help relax blood vessels. Side effects: headache, dizziness.
  
  

• Alpha blockers (ex: prazosin): Reduce vessel tightening. Side effects: low blood pressure, dizziness.
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
  
  

• Limit caffeine and alcohol (can cause blood vessel spasms).
  
  

• Stay hydrated — dehydration can worsen symptoms.
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Dress in layers during cold weather.
  
  

• Warm hands/feet before going outside.
  
  

• Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
  
  

• Avoid vibrating tools and repetitive motions when possible.
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Test water temperature with your elbow, not fingers, to avoid burns when your skin is numb.
  
  

• Keep emergency heating packs available.
  
  

• Avoid walking barefoot, especially on cold floors.
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Keep regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.
  
  

• Monitor for changes in skin color, temperature, or wounds.
  
  

• Treat even small cuts quickly to prevent infection.
  
  

• Learn your personal triggers and avoid them.
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor If:

• You notice new or worsening color changes in your fingers or toes.
  
  

• Pain, tingling, or numbness is lasting longer than usual.
  
  

• You see sores or ulcers starting to form.
  
  

• Your medicines are causing side effects.
  
  

• You have questions about your diet, lifestyle, or care plan.
  
  

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room If:

• You have severe pain that does not get better with your usual treatment.
  
  

• Fingers or toes stay pale, blue, or black for more than 20 minutes.
  
  

• You see signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever).
  
  

• Skin becomes cold, hard, and you cannot move the area.
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Circle True or False for each statement. Correct any false statements.

1. True / False – Raynaud’s only affects the hands.
   
   

2. True / False – Stress can trigger a Raynaud’s attack.
   
   

3. True / False – Wearing mittens can help keep hands warmer than gloves.
   
   

4. True / False – Smoking can make Raynaud’s worse.
   
   

5. True / False – Fingers can turn white, blue, and then red during an attack.
   
   

6. True / False – Raynaud’s can cause permanent damage if untreated.
   
   

7. True / False – All people with Raynaud’s need surgery.
   
   

8. True / False – Warming up before going outside in winter can prevent attacks.
   
   

9. True / False – Calcium channel blockers help open blood vessels.
   
   

10. True / False – Drinking lots of caffeine can improve Raynaud’s.
    
    

11. True / False – A balanced diet and exercise can help blood flow.
    
    

12. True / False – Sores on fingers should be ignored unless they are painful.
    
    

13. True / False – Sudden temperature changes can trigger Raynaud’s.
    
    

14. True / False – Nitroglycerin ointment may be used to help relax blood vessels.
    
    

15. True / False – You should test hot water with your elbow if your fingers are numb.
    
    

16. True / False – Raynaud’s can happen in the ears, nose, or lips.
    
    

17. True / False – You should avoid vibrating tools to help prevent flare-ups.
    
    

18. True / False – Going barefoot on cold floors can cause symptoms to flare.
    
    

19. True / False – Keeping your home warm can help prevent attacks.
    
    

20. True / False – If fingers turn black and are numb, you should wait until your next doctor visit.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

1. Have you noticed certain times of day or activities that trigger your symptoms?
   
   

2. What medications are you currently taking for Raynaud’s, and have you had any side effects?
   
   

3. Have you ever had sores or ulcers from Raynaud’s?
   
   

4. Do you monitor your skin for color changes daily?
   
   

5. What strategies have you tried to keep your hands and feet warm?
   
   

6. Do you have any other conditions like lupus, scleroderma, or diabetes?
   
   

7. Do you know your most recent blood pressure reading?
   
   

8. How many caffeinated drinks do you have in a day?
   
   

9. Have you ever needed hospital care for Raynaud’s before?
   
   

10. Do you feel confident in knowing when to call your nurse or go to the ER?