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If you have Raynaud's, your fingers, toes and other parts of your body can suddenly become numb, white and cold.

This happens because blood can't get to these parts of your body.

Then they go blue because they're not getting enough oxygen.

As the blood returns, they go very red. They may then feel hot and painful.

Raynaud's disease is named after the doctor who first linked having the attacks with going out in the cold.¹

These sudden Raynaud's attacks happen because small blood vessels in your fingers and toes suddenly become narrow and stop your blood from flowing normally. This can also happen to your nose and earlobes and, more rarely, your nipples and tongue.² Attacks usually happen because of cold temperatures but some people get attacks if they feel upset or stressed.²

You don't have to get really cold for an attack to begin.

People who have Raynaud's have blood vessels that are more sensitive to cool weather and just a small change in temperature can trigger an attack.

In most people with Raynaud's, the disease isn't connected to any serious medical problem. In fact, nobody knows what causes it.¹

You can get Raynaud's at any age although some research has shown most people get symptoms before the age of 40.³ Sometimes the condition runs in families.⁴

Some people have Raynaud's caused by a more serious illness, such as lupus (a disorder of your immune system that can affect many different parts of the body) and rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms are often much more serious.⁴ Some people get Raynaud's because of medicines they are taking, such as beta-blockers and drugs for migraines. And people who work with vibrating tools, such as road diggers, also have a higher chance of getting it.⁵

Here, we are only looking at treatments for Raynaud's that is not connected to a more serious condition.

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. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.