The sudden change in temperature in the last few days could mean agony for millions of Raynaud's sufferers. An estimated one in five of the UK's adult population suffers from Raynaud's, a condition in which the blood supply is temporarily prevented from reaching the extremities. Any slight change in temperature can cause an attack, during which time the fingers may change colour from white to blue to red. They become numb and extremely painful and can make life an absolute misery.
The RSA, a national charity which supports Raynaud's sufferers, has launched an awareness campaign throughout the month of February. The recent change in weather has demonstrated the distressing effects cold weather can have on Raynaud's sufferers and the need for greater awareness. During 2012 the RSA also celebrates 30 years of caring and sharing for people with Raynaud’s and the associated condition, scleroderma. To mark this anniversary, the charity aims to raise a ‘Cool Million’ pounds to fund vital research.
Anne Mawdsley MBE, who founded the RSA in 1982 and who has the condition herself, said: “Raynaud’s can affect anyone of any age. We have recently heard from families with young children and even babies who are showing symptoms of Raynaud’s. The RSA would encourage anyone who suspects that they may have Raynaud’s to visit their GP for a diagnosis and to request a blood test to rule out any related conditions. Cold hands in some instances can be a symptom of something more serious.”
Although it has been a relatively milder winter, millions of Raynaud’s sufferers have been struggling with painful fingers and toes. This condition affects an estimated one in five of the UK’s adult population. Cold temperatures can cause the blood supply to be temporarily prevented from reaching the extremities. Any slight change in temperature can cause an attack, during which time the fingers may change colour from white to blue to red. They become numb and extremely painful and can make life an absolute misery. Stress can also trigger Raynaud’s.
Professor Chris Denton, a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, explained: “Raynaud’s phenomenon is very common, with nine out of ten sufferers being female. It has a real impact on sufferers as it can make everyday activities like shopping, using keys, getting dressed etc. difficult.
“More importantly, Raynaud’s may be the first symptom of an underlying medical condition such as scleroderma, a rare, autoimmune connective disease. Therefore, Raynaud’s symptoms could offer the potential for early diagnosis and treatment of any underlying problems.
“Increased awareness of Raynaud’s is an important first step and so the RSA’s February Awareness Month is very timely. There is a growing understanding of the need to treat Raynaud’s and lessons are being learnt from other complications of Raynaud’s associated diseases but more research is needed.”
There are a number of ways of treating the condition, as Anne Mawdsley explained: “The most common drug treatment for Raynaud’s is a drug which opens up the blood vessels. Several other medications have also been used such as Prozac which blocks the hormone serotonin, that constricts blood vessels.
“In severe cases, Iloprost may be offered. This has similar properties to the natural hormone prostacyclin, which opens up the blood vessels and prevents the blood flow from becoming sluggish. Trials have been carried out using Viagra with some success.
“In addition, there are a number of heating aids which can help. Rechargeable, microwaveable and disposable hand and foot warmers are proving to be very popular. Many sufferers have found gloves and socks made from silver woven fabric, which reflect the body’s heat back into the hands and feet, very helpful.”
A free information pack about Raynaud’s, including leaflets giving tips on keeping warm, coping with Raynaud’s and recommended products, is available by calling Freephone 0800 917 2494. Information is also available at www.raynauds.org.uk
To make a donation towards the ‘Cool Million’ you can text COOL22 followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70070. For example to donate your £1 please text COOL22 £1 to 70070. Alternatively there is a Justgiving page on the website or cheques can be made payable to RSA and sent to 112 Crewe Road, Alsager, Cheshire ST7 2JA.
