Watch for Signs of Raynaud's Syndrome
Watch Out for Raynaud's Syndrome Symptoms!
Associate Professor Kemal Korkmaz from DoktorTakvimi.com experts explains frequently asked questions about Raynaud's Syndrome, a circulatory disorder that manifests particularly on cold days with symptoms such as color changes, paleness, bruising and redness in the hands and feet.
Raynaud's Syndrome, a condition we are not particularly familiar with, is a disease that manifests itself through paleness, bruising and redness in the skin that develops as a result of disrupted blood circulation caused by spasm (contraction) of small blood vessels in the extremities of the body such as fingertips, toes, nose and ears, usually due to cold exposure and emotional stress. Associate Professor Kemal Korkmaz from DoktorTakvimi.com experts, who states that there are two different types of Raynaud's Syndrome, which is a type of circulatory disorder, explains the causes of the disease as follows: "The main triggers of Raynaud's Syndrome include exposure to cold and emotional stress. Primary Raynaud's Syndrome is common in the population and there is no accompanying underlying disease.
It is generally seen in people under 30 years of age, and is more common in women than men. It occurs in approximately 10% of the population. Secondary Raynaud's Syndrome is less common in the population and has an accompanying underlying disease. Certain rheumatic diseases (SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, etc.), certain arterial diseases such as Buerger's disease; certain drugs used in the treatment of migraines, cancer and heart diseases, certain diseases related to the nervous system and hormonal system, tobacco use, use of vibrating tools, playing piano and typewriter use—conditions that cause direct arterial trauma. It is generally seen in people over 30 years of age," he said.
Symptoms Most Commonly Appear in Fingers and Toes
Associate Professor Korkmaz emphasizes that symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome most frequently appear on fingers and toes, and rarely on the tips of the tongue, nose and ears. Noting that in primary Raynaud's Syndrome symptoms are generally symmetric, appearing on both fingers or toes; in secondary Raynaud's Syndrome they appear asymmetrically, that is on one or a few fingers, Associate Professor Korkmaz explains that as a result of vessel contraction triggered frequently by cold and stress, coldness, paleness, pain, numbness and tingling develop in the skin of the affected area.
Explaining that the skin first appears pale white and then turns blue-purple, and after the contraction of the vessels resolves, blood flow increases and the skin returns to pink-red color, Associate Professor Korkmaz stated, "In primary Raynaud's Syndrome, ulceration and gangrene in the affected area are rarely seen. In secondary Raynaud's Syndrome, ulceration and gangrene can occur."
Wearing Gloves and Socks in Cold Environments Is Very Important
Associate Professor Kemal Korkmaz from DoktorTakvimi.com experts states that the goal in the treatment of Raynaud's Syndrome is to treat underlying diseases and conditions, reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, and prevent tissue damage. Noting that avoidance of cold exposure is necessary in the treatment process, Associate Professor Korkmaz says: "Your hands and feet should be washed with warm water, and you should wear warm gloves and socks in cold environments.
You can control your stress and emotional tension through yoga, pilates and meditation. You should definitely quit smoking. Various medications that prevent vessel contraction and increase blood circulation are used in the treatment of this disease. Generally, Raynaud's Syndrome can be successfully treated by eliminating the causes of the disease and using the prescribed medications. In particular, some patients with secondary Raynaud's Syndrome may require surgical treatment to prevent gangrene and ulcer formation. The success rate of this treatment is extremely high," he said.
