Having your fingertips whitish or yellowish and cold as if there is no blood in these places is one of the most characteristic symptoms of Raynaud's disease or phenomenon.
This change is more common in women, but it can also affect men, and can appear at any stage of life, although usually the first manifestation occurs until the age of 40. Learn more about this disease.
What symptoms
The main symptoms of Raynaud's disease are color changes in the fingers, which first become pale, then may turn yellow or even blue, due to inadequate blood flow, returning to a reddish color when the circulation returns to normal..
In addition, a pulsating and painful sensation may appear when circulation is resumed and small rashes or changes in skin texture may also appear.
Normally, simple measures such as avoiding the cold, sudden changes in temperature and wearing gloves and thick socks in winter, are enough to prevent the manifestations of this disease.
In the most serious cases, when this phenomenon causes a lot of discomfort, becomes very frequent or there is a risk of complications, the doctor may indicate that the treatment is done with the administration of medications that reduce the feelings of discomfort, by improving blood circulation. Learn more about treatment.
Possible causes
Raynaud's phenomenon can be caused by disorders in connective tissue or arteries, carpal tunnel syndrome, activities with repetitive gestures, use of cigarettes, injuries to the hands or feet and ingestion of certain medications.
How the diagnosis is made
To make the diagnosis of the disease, the doctor performs a physical examination and asks the person about the symptoms that have been manifested.
In addition, to exclude other diseases that cause the same symptoms or similar symptoms, such as autoimmune diseases, for example, the doctor may order other tests, such as an anti-nuclear antibody test, which is positive when it comes to an autoimmune disease or a test that measures the speed of sedimentation of red blood cells, which is also elevated if the person has an autoimmune or inflammatory disease.
