Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's Phenomenon is where the fingers (and less commonly, toes) turn a different colour in response to certain triggers such as cold or stress. This is due to overly-sensitive vessels spasming when triggered, decreasing its blood flow, therefore causing a colour change.

10% have a primary type, but the secondary causes include Scleroderma, SLE etc.

Presents with a well demarcated cold-induced colour change of fingertips from white → blue → red.

Management:

• Avoid triggers

• DHP-CCBs (e.g. amlodopine) - Cause peripheral vasodilation

  • ACEi and Prostacyclin are other options