On Mon, 4 Mar 1996    Ruth Wilson <[log in to unmask]> posted:

I believe a general review of Reynaud's syndrome is in order in light of
the issue of "Medical shorthand", many folks lack info on this syndrome,
anyone care to give it a try ?

I'll try, Ruth...
Raynaud's phenomenon, or syndrome, is a disorder of the blood vessels that
supply the skin, consisting of vasospasm as arteries over-contract (hands,
toes, other extremities turn white or "blanch" in response to cold or
emotional stress or vibration, and become numb), followed a few minutes later
by vasocongestion as arteries over-relax (same areas turn red, then purplish,
and swollen as blood flow returns to area).  There is no pain with the
vasospasm but vasodilation or vasocongestion can be hot, burning, and
uncomfortable.  It occurs more commonly in women, and the cause is unknown,
but the triggers are usually exposure to cold, frostbite, emotional stress, or
continual vibration (typists, for example).  Its a temporary occurrence that
lasts just a few minutes in most cases.  Prevention would include staying
warm, wearing gloves to handle frozen foods, and treatment can include
biofeedback, relaxation, and sometimes medication.  Raynaud's can be primary
or secondary: primary meaning it just happens on its own, secondary meaning it
occurs and is associated with the development of other more serious diseases
such as lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, use of various drugs, or
seen in smokers.  Women who experience Raynaud's should be screened for other
more serious underlying diseases such as lupus or scleroderma, since it can be
the initial symptom that presents.  Fortunately, for most, I believe Raynaud's
more often stands as an independent symptom, unrelated to the more serious
diseases.  I hope that helps clarify.
Joyce Blangiardo RN, FACCE, IBCLC
([log in to unmask]) Still cooling down from Oprah's show; if the emotional
stress of viewing the 3/1 show doesn't cause Raynaud's symptoms, you don't
have it!