Learn what a typical Raynaud's disease prognosis is at Consumer Reports Health.

Raynaud's disease

What will happen to me?

For most people with Raynaud's, the attacks are just a minor but uncomfortable problem.

One study has found that only about 1 in 10 people with Raynaud's have really bad, frequent attacks.

Source:
Wigley FM.
Raynaud's phenomenon.
New England Journal of Medicine. 2002; 347: 1001-1008.

Some research shows that just over 1 in every 10 people who have Raynaud's are later found to have a more serious disorder.

Source:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Questions and answers about Raynaud's phenomenon.
June 2006. Available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Raynauds_Phenomenon/default.asp (accessed on 12 December 2008).

Source:
Spencer-Green G.
Outcomes in primary Raynaud phenomenon: a meta-analysis of the frequency, rates, and predictors of transition to secondary diseases.
Archives of Internal Medicine. 1998; 158: 595-600.

If your symptoms are mild then there probably won't be any need to take medication. The best thing you can do is avoid getting cold.

Source:
Wigley FM.
Raynaud's phenomenon.
New England Journal of Medicine. 2002; 347: 1001-1008.

Here's what you can do to help yourself.

What to do during an attack

Re-warm your hands, feet or the affected part of your body by going indoors. You can use warm water to help do this. If stress has triggered the attack try and remove yourself from the stressful situation.

What to do to help prevent attacks

Doing the following things can make it less likely that you'll get a Raynaud's attack.

Keep warm (see Keeping warm for more information).
Stop smoking. The chemicals in tobacco may make your symptoms worse.
Exercise regularly. This is recommended for people with Raynaud's by some doctors. But we don't know if it helps because there hasn't been any good research.
Control stress. If you find that your attacks start when you are upset or stressed then you should try and avoid stressful situations. You may find a stress management course helpful.

Sources for the information on this page:

Wigley FM.Raynaud's phenomenon.New England Journal of Medicine. 2002; 347: 1001-1008.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Questions and answers about Raynaud's phenomenon.June 2006. Available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Raynauds_Phenomenon/default.asp (accessed on 12 December 2008).

Spencer-Green G.Outcomes in primary Raynaud phenomenon: a meta-analysis of the frequency, rates, and predictors of transition to secondary diseases.Archives of Internal Medicine. 1998; 158: 595-600.

This information was last updated on Jan 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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