Why are my fingers turning white?

Raynaud's disease causes smaller arteries that supply blood flow to the skin to narrow in response to cold or stress. The affected body parts, usually fingers and toes, might turn white or blue and feel cold and numb until blood flow improves, usually when you get warm.

What would cause fingers to turn white?

When a person has Raynaud's phenomenon, exposure to cold abnormally reduces blood circulation, causing the skin to become pale, waxy-white or purple. The disorder is sometimes called "white finger", "wax finger" or "dead finger." Raynaud's phenomenon has many different causes including workplace exposures.

How do you get rid of white fingers?

Are white fingers serious?

It's not a serious threat to your health, but can be annoying to live with, because it can be difficult to use your fingers. People with Raynaud's often go for long periods without any symptoms, and sometimes the condition goes away altogether.

How Serious Is Raynaud's disease?

In rare cases, Raynaud's can become severe. If it causes skin sores or gangrene—decay or death of body tissues—you may need antibiotics or surgery to remove the damaged tissue. In very serious cases, it might be necessary to remove the affected toe or finger. But don't panic—this is extremely rare.

Why do my fingers turn white in the cold? | Raynaud's Syndrome |

What foods to avoid if you have Raynaud's?

Always try to maintain a balanced, healthy diet and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Some food supplements have helped Raynaud's sufferers, including evening primrose oil, gingko biloba and fish oils. Certain foods are also believed to help, like ginger, garlic and spicy food.

How can I improve the circulation in my fingers?

Exercise is the simplest way to improve your blood's ability to circulate through your hands. Your body's muscles require oxygenated blood in order to function, and as you work the muscles in your hands, the surrounding blood vessels will dilate to allow more of this oxygenated blood to flow through.

Can Raynaud's affect the heart?

There's no known link between Raynaud's and heart disease.

What is the best treatment for Raynaud's?

Calcium channel blockers.

These drugs relax and open small blood vessels in your hands and feet, reducing the severity and number of attacks in most people with Raynaud's. These drugs can also help heal skin ulcers on your fingers or toes.

Does Raynaud's syndrome get worse with age?

It is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen as a person gets older. Initially it may only affect the tips of the fingers or toes, but over time may affect whole fingers and toes.

What medications make Raynaud's worse?

People who experience Raynaud's should avoid medicines which reduce blood flow to the peripheries, such as: Serotonin receptor agonists, e.g triptans used to treat migraines. Ergots (Claviceps fungi derivatives), e.g. ergotamine used to treat migraines. Clonidine (which decreases cardiac output)

Is white finger permanent?

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) can cause vibration white finger, a permanent and painful numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, also painful joints and muscle weakening.

What aggravates Raynaud's?

Cold temperatures, smoking, and stress aggravate Raynaud's phenomenon. You can help reduce the number of attacks and improve your overall health by following these tips from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The ACR also advises those with Raynaud's to pay special attention to their hands and feet.

Can Raynaud's be cured?

There is no cure for Raynaud's that occurs on its own (primary Raynaud's). But you may be able to control it by avoiding the things that trigger it. Keep your body warm.

How long does Raynaud's last?

If you have Raynaud's phenomenon, your hands may change colour in cold weather and there may be pain, tingling and numbness. These attacks often only last a few minutes, but they can last two to three hours. You may find that moving into a warmer environment often stops the attack.

Is Raynaud's an autoimmune disease?

Summary. Raynaud's phenomenon is the short-term interruption of blood flow to the extremities, such as the fingers and toes. Raynaud's phenomenon may be a sign of an underlying autoimmune disorder such as scleroderma or lupus, so it's important to see your doctor for diagnosis.

Is Raynaud's a form of lupus?

One third of people who have lupus also have Raynaud's. There are two other forms of this condition. Discoid lupus (DLE) usually affects the skin alone, although some patients may develop systemic lupus.

What vitamins are good for Raynaud's?

Inositol hexaniacinate , a form of vitamin B3 or niacin, may reduce frequency of Raynaud's attacks.

Does Raynaud's cause weight loss?

Low body weight and involuntary weight loss are associated with Raynaud's phenomenon in both men and women. Scand J Rheumatol.

Does Raynaud's shorten life?

A research group at MedUni Wien (Medical University of Vienna) has discovered through simple tests that people with Raynaud's phenomenon face not only the risk of another disease, but also a reduced life expectancy. Through this, it can be determined which affected patients benefit from regular doctor's appointments.

Can Raynaud's cause a stroke?

Primary Raynaud syndrome is commonly treated with a calcium channel blocker. It often does not cause symptoms; however, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and heart failure.

What happens if you don't treat Raynaud's?

If secondary Raynaud's is severe — which is rare — reduced blood flow to your fingers or toes could cause tissue damage. A completely blocked artery can lead to sores (skin ulcers) or dead tissue, both of which can be difficult to treat.

What vitamin is good for blood circulation?

One of these, in particular, vitamin B3, can help people improve blood circulation. Also called niacin, B3 reduces inflammation and bad cholesterol. The vitamin is also important for increasing blood vessel function. Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach are good sources of vitamin B nutrients.

How do you get tested for Raynaud's?

A cold stimulation test involves placing your fingers in an ice water bath to find out if you have Raynaud's syndrome.

What three things should you look for when checking for signs of blood circulation?