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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers, toes, tip of your nose and your ears — to feel numb and cool in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.

Women are more likely to have Raynaud's disease. It's also more common in people who live in colder climates.

Treatment of Raynaud's disease depends on its severity and the presence of associated conditions. For most people, Raynaud's disease is more a nuisance than a disability.

References
  1. Questions and answers about Raynaud's phenomenon. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Raynauds_Phenomenon/default.asp. Accessed Aug. 2, 2009.
  2. Raynaud's. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/raynaud/ray_what.html. Accessed Aug. 2, 2009.
  3. Smith EA, et al. Systemic sclerosis: Raynaud's phenomenon. In: Hochberg MC, et al. Rheumatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008:1387.
  4. Wigley FM. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of the Raynaud phenomenon. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 2, 2009.
  5. Wigley FM. Nonpharmacologic therapy for the Raynaud phenomenon. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 2, 2009.
  6. Wigley FM. Pharmacologic and surgical treatment of the Raynaud phenomenon. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 2, 2009.
  7. Patel PM. Raynaud's Phenomenon. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152762796-4/0/1701/499.html?tocnode=56571810&fromURL=499.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50021-5--subchapter4_10581. Accessed Aug. 2, 2009.

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Nov. 13, 2009

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