Published on 04 September 2026
Have you ever stepped outside on a chilly morning and noticed your fingers suddenly turn white or intensely cold? Or perhaps you’ve experienced tingling, numbness or discomfort in your hands or feet that seems extreme for the surrounding temperature?
If so, you may have Raynaud's syndrome, a common condition that affects blood circulation, particularly in the fingers and toes.
For many people, Raynaud's is a manageable condition that only causes minor discomfort. However, in some cases it can be a sign of an underlying health problem and, if left unmanaged, may lead to more serious complications. Understanding the difference between mild symptoms and signs that need medical attention is essential.
What Is Raynaud's syndrome?
Raynaud's syndrome, also known as Raynaud’s disease, Raynaud’s Phenomenon or simply as Raynaud's, occurs because of an exaggerated reaction to cold of the small blood vessels supplying the extremities. This process, known as vasospasm, reduces blood flow to areas such as the fingers and toes, although it can occasionally affect the ears, nose, or lips as well.
Episodes of Raynaud’s are most often triggered by exposure to the cold or during times of emotional stress. During an attack, affected areas often change colour in a certain way. The skin may turn white at first as blood flow decreases, then blue as oxygen levels drop, and finally red as circulation returns. This colour change is frequently accompanied by sensations of numbness, tingling, throbbing or pain.
While Raynaud’s can appear alarming, these attacks are usually temporary and resolve once the body warms up or the stress subsides.
Is Raynaud's syndrome dangerous?
Most cases of Raynaud's syndrome aren’t dangerous. For people with primary Raynaud's, attacks can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they rarely lead to long-term health problems. Keeping warm, avoiding triggers and making simple lifestyle changes are often enough to control symptoms effectively.
However, secondary Raynaud's needs closer monitoring. When blood flow is repeatedly or severely restricted, tissues may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues. These complications are far more likely in people whose Raynaud's is linked to an underlying autoimmune or connective tissue disease.
What are the symptoms of Raynaud's?
The symptoms of Raynaud's vary from person to person, but most people experience some combination of the following:
- Cold fingers or toes
- Skin that turns white, blue or purple during an attack
- Numbness or loss of sensation
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
- Pain or throbbing when circulation returns
- Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
Some individuals may also experience swelling, burning sensations or reduced mobility during or after an episode. Symptoms may be mistaken for those of chilblains, although in actual fact chilblains and Raynaud’s syndrome are quite different conditions.
Attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, and the frequency can vary. Some people only experience symptoms during winter, while others are affected throughout the year whenever they encounter cold environments or stressful situations.
What causes Raynaud's syndrome?
The exact cause of Raynaud's syndrome isn’t clear, but the condition results from an excessive narrowing of the blood vessels in response to certain triggers.
Cold temperatures
Cold temperatures are the most common trigger. For example, handling frozen food, reaching into a refrigerator or even entering an air-conditioned room can be enough to provoke symptoms in some people.
Stress or anxiety
Stress and anxiety can also cause an attack of Raynaud’s. When the body perceives stress, it releases hormones that prepare us for a "fight or flight" response. These hormones can cause blood vessels to narrow, triggering a Raynaud's episode.
Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors may increase the risk or severity of symptoms. Smoking, for example, constricts blood vessels and can worsen circulation problems. Repeated use of vibrating tools, such as drills or jackhammers, has also been linked to the development of Raynaud's symptoms.
Other medical conditions
In some cases, Raynaud's occurs secondary to another medical condition, particularly autoimmune and connective tissue disorders that affect blood vessels and circulation.
Primary vs secondary Raynaud's
Raynaud's is divided into two categories: primary and secondary.
Primary Raynaud's
Primary Raynaud's is the most usual form of the condition. It develops independently and isn’t associated with an underlying disease. However, it may have a genetic predisposition or be related to female hormones. Symptoms are usually mild and serious complications are rare.
The condition often begins in the teenage years, or before the age of 30, and – according to Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK - is up to nine times more common in women than men. Although attacks can be uncomfortable, many people successfully manage symptoms through lifestyle adjustments alone.
Secondary Raynaud's
Secondary Raynaud's occurs because of an underlying cause such as an autoimmune or connective tissue condition, medication, or the type of work you do. It’s less common (around 10-20% of people who live with Raynaud’s have this type) and is more likely to start later in life.
Symptoms are often more severe, attacks may occur more frequently, and there is a greater risk of complications such as finger or toe ulcers, slow-healing sores, infection and, in some cases, severe tissue damage.
Identifying and treating the underlying condition is an important part of managing secondary Raynaud's.
Conditions associated with secondary Raynaud's
Several medical conditions are linked to secondary Raynaud's syndrome.
Chronic (long-term) autoimmune diseases are among the most common causes and include:
- Scleroderma and lupus – rare disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue
- Rheumatoid arthritis – where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful and swollen joints
- Sjögren's syndrome – where the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, resulting in persistent dryness of the eyes and mouth
Other conditions and factors that may contribute include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Peripheral artery disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Some migraine treatments
- Exposure to vibrating machinery in your job
It’s important to seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by other health concerns.
How Is Raynaud's diagnosed?
During your initial appointment with one of our consultant rheumatologists, you’ll be asked to discuss your symptoms, medical history and anything that triggers a Raynaud’s attack. Your consultant will ask when attacks occur, how long they last and whether both hands or feet are affected equally.
In some cases, they might refer you for blood tests to screen for inflammation, autoimmune diseases or other conditions associated with secondary Raynaud's.
How Is Raynaud's treated?
Treatment of Raynaud’s depends on the severity of symptoms and whether the condition is primary or secondary.
Lifestyle changes
For many people, lifestyle changes provide relief. These include:
- Wearing gloves, hats and warm clothing in chilly weather
- Keeping indoor environments comfortably warm
- Avoiding sudden temperature changes
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Avoiding smoking
- Exercising regularly to improve circulation
Medication
When symptoms are more severe, your consultant may prescribe medication such as calcium channel blockers, which help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the extremities.
Additional treatment
People with secondary Raynaud's may require additional treatment aimed at managing the underlying condition contributing to their symptoms.
Can I live with Raynaud's?
Although Raynaud's can be frustrating, most people are able to manage their symptoms using the methods above and go on to lead normal, active lives.
When should I see a medical professional?
While mild symptoms are common and often harmless, you should consider seeking medical advice if:
- Your symptoms first appeared after the age of 30 or 40
- Only one hand or foot is affected
- Attacks are becoming more frequent or severe
- You develop sores or ulcers on your fingers or toes
- Everyday activities are being disrupted
- You experience joint pain, skin changes or any symptoms related to the autoimmune conditions described above
Treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome at Benenden Hospital
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, our experienced rheumatologists can help. For more information, or to arrange an appointment, complete our online enquiry form or contact our Private Patient team via Livechat or by calling 01580 363158.