Raynaud phenomenon

pathology

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July 13, 2026

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Raynaud syndrome is a condition characterized by spasms in the arteries supplying the fingers and toes. This causes the digits to turn pale and then bluish (cyanotic) when exposed to cold or emotional stress. Upon removal of the stimulus, the affected areas turn red and may experience tingling or burning sensations.123

This phenomenon is caused by excessive constriction of small blood vessels. While it can occur independently, Raynaud syndrome is often a symptom of other conditions like scleroderma, atherosclerosis, or thromboangiitis obliterans. Treatment involves medications to dilate blood vessels and protecting the extremities from cold.312

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skin disease
Blood vessels
In Raynaud’s phenomenon, the vascular spasm is severe, affecting the extremities and leading to attacks of cold, white fingers. Milder degrees of spasm, as well as increases in blood viscosity, may cause a purple discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), which may assume a reticulate pattern (livedo…
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In Raynaud’s phenomenon, the vascular spasm is severe, affecting the extremities and leading to attacks of cold, white fingers. Milder degrees of spasm, as well as increases in blood viscosity, may cause a purple discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), which may assume a reticulate pattern (livedo…
Read More

hepatitis C
Symptoms of HCV infection
…from cryoglobulinemia may lead to Raynaud phenomenon, in which small blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm in response to cold temperatures.
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…from cryoglobulinemia may lead to Raynaud phenomenon, in which small blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm in response to cold temperatures.
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scleroderma
Symptoms and progression
…as Raynaud syndrome (also called Raynaud phenomenon), which is characterized by spasms in the arteries (primarily of the fingers and toes) that drastically restrict blood flow. As the disease progresses, the facial skin often tightens into a shiny mask. Swelling may occur, initially in the fingers, hands, and feet, along…
Read More
…as Raynaud syndrome (also called Raynaud phenomenon), which is characterized by spasms in the arteries (primarily of the fingers and toes) that drastically restrict blood flow. As the disease progresses, the facial skin often tightens into a shiny mask. Swelling may occur, initially in the fingers, hands, and feet, along…
Read More