Managing your Raynaud’s symptoms
Find out some information on how to help manage your Raynaud’s symptoms
What to expect with a Raynaud's attack
Raynaud’s is very common and in many cases will be a mild condition. It affects over 10 million people in the UK.
A Raynaud’s attack may be triggered by cold conditions or sudden changes in temperature, and sometimes by emotional stress. The blood vessels in the extremities become narrower, and blood flow is restricted. When you have Raynaud’s, this response is exaggerated, causing the skin colour to change from white, to blue, to red. A Raynaud’s attack can be painful, especially as the circulation returns.
Types of Raynaud's
There are two types of Raynaud’s – primary and secondary. In primary, Raynaud’s occurs by itself, and is not associated with any other health issues. In secondary, another health condition causes the blood vessels to overreact, leading to Raynaud’s symptoms.
How to manage your Raynaud’s symptoms
There are many different treatment and self-management techniques to try for Raynaud’s. Find information on our pages below about these options.
Please always consult your GP/doctor to find out what treatments might be suitable for you, and please always discuss with them before trying any natural supplements.
-
““I have always suffered with cold feet, hands and other extremities like my ears and nose, and it actually hurts when they get cold, but because my sister had the same sort of symptoms, I thought it was just who we were"”
-
“"Being a brown lady, when I try to explain to a white person that my fingers go white when I get a Raynaud’s attack, they laugh. At that point I can tell straight away that they have never encountered the disease."”
-
“"I didn’t feel very supported by my doctor at the time of my diagnosis, and I felt really alone. I didn’t know anyone else who had Raynaud’s, so no one else understood how bad it was and also how painful."”
Publications
Download our publications on Raynaud's
Raynaud’s: A Guide for Schools
A short booklet to help schools provide support to students with Raynaud’s
