Raynauds Phenomenon:
Raynauds Phenomenon is the
name given to the classic colour changes seen in the
fingers and sometimes the toes (see
pictures).
The classical colour changes
are WHITE ---> BLUE ---> RED.
The WHITE - is due to spasm of
the digital arteries, stopping any blood getting into the
fingers at all
The BLUE - is due to the
digital arteries starting to relax and some blood seeping
into the fingers. As the tissues haven't had blood and
oxygen for some time, the tissue take the oxygen out
quickly, leaving the blood looking very blue.
The RED - is due to "reactive
hyperaemia". In other words, when blood starts getting
back into the tissues, the carbon dioxide and other waste
products of the cells and tissues in the fingers cause the
digital arteries to dilate - letting much more blood than
normal into the fingers. They therefore go very hot and
red.
Raynauds Disease:
When the Raynauds Phenomenon
is seen, and an underlying medical cause is found, it is
called Raynauds disease.
Such causes can be pressure on
the subclavian artery by muscle or cervical rib, narrowing
of the subclavian, axillary or brachial arteries, or
abnormalities of the blood itself.
All of these causes need to be
tested for to find out if the Raynauds Phenomenon is being
caused by a specific problem - and whether this can be
cured.
Raynauds Syndrome:
If no cause is found for the
Raynauds Phenomenon, it is then called Raynauds Syndrome.
The word Syndrome means "a collection of symptoms or signs
that occur together".
