Reynaud

Raynaud's disease is a complex of symptoms that develop from a sharp narrowing of blood vessels or under the influence of stress or cold. The syndrome is most often a manifestation of various connective tissue diseases - scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, but can also occur as an independent disease.

In addition, the disease can be triggered by harmful occupational conditions - cooling or vibration. Poor circulation causes a feeling of numbness or spasm and brings severe discomfort.

Symptoms

The disease is characterized by a feeling of chilliness, pain in the fingers, mainly in the upper extremities. Pallor and cyanosis appear. Attacks of ischemia are at first short-lived, arising from low temperatures, as a result of excitement, smoking, then paresthesia and trophic changes in tissue develop. Areas of necrosis appear on the fingers, usually small and shallow.

Diagnostics

The disease is diagnosed based on the results of a comprehensive examination, including a visual examination and analysis of the patient’s complaints. A prerequisite is additional research methods - capillaroscopy, cold tests, which allow assessing the condition of the limbs. Diagnostics also includes laboratory tests of blood and urine.

Treatment

At the initial stage, they are limited to conservative treatment methods - taking vasodilators. Surgical treatment - sympathectomy is performed in case of complete lack of sensation in the limbs. During the operation, the nerve fibers of the sympathetic trunk, which cause spasm of the arteries, are stopped. A less traumatic method, endoscopic sympectomy, has become widely used. New technology - stem cell therapy, helps normalize peripheral circulation and regenerate damaged cells.

Prevention

Elimination of provoking factors that lead to vasoconstriction:

1. smoking;
2. work that involves intense tension in the hands;
3. hypothermia;
4. contact with chemicals;
5. stress.

In case of severe emotional stress, it is necessary to take sedatives. Protect your feet and hands from exposure to cold and damp environments.

If the specialty involves constant nervous stress or work on the street, it is recommended to think about changing working conditions.

Persistent numbness or discoloration of the skin of the fingertips is a good reason to see a doctor. Self-medication is unacceptable. Symptoms that seem harmless at first glance can lead to dire and irreversible consequences.