What is the Main Cause of Raynaud's Disease?

Is Raynaud’s an Autoimmune Disease? Causes & Treatment Explained

Raynaud's Syndrome is a common condition in which the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes experience spasms. During this time, limited blood flow changes skin colour and temperature, causing tingling sensations.

According to statistics, approximately 3 - 5% of people worldwide suffer from this condition. It is common among people living in cold regions and people with higher stress levels.

What is the main cause of Raynaud’s disease?

The common, standalone form is called Primary Raynaud's (or Raynaud's Disease). When it occurs as a symptom of another underlying medical condition, it is called Secondary Raynaud's (or Raynaud's Phenomenon). 

When a person experiences a Raynaud's attack, the arterioles and capillaries in the fingers and toes constrict due to restricted blood flow. Furthermore, lack of oxygen in the blood drops the skin temperature, changing the colour of the affected area to white and then blue. After lasting for about 15 minutes, when the blood vessels relax and open up, the usual skin colour returns.

Who Does Raynaud’s Syndrome Affect?

Raynaud's disease is an exaggerated version of the vasomotor response. It primarily affects women, people under 30 years of age and those who have a family history of Raynaud's disease.

Usually, Raynaud's Disease does not affect a patient's heart. However, conditions associated with Raynaud's Phenomenon, which is the secondary and more severe condition, might have an impact on the heart.

What Deficiency Causes Raynaud's?

The main cause of Primary Raynaud's is unknown. The main causes of Secondary Raynaud's are underlying autoimmune connective tissue diseases (e.g., scleroderma, lupus) and other conditions. Hypothyroidism is an associated condition but not a primary cause.

Since thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating bodily functions, such as body temperature, metabolism and blood flow, insufficient production of these hormones leads to sensitivity to cold temperatures, fatigue and weight gain. It directly affects the blood circulation and blood vessel function, triggering Raynaud's.

Is Raynaud's an Autoimmune Disease?

Many medical professionals state that autoimmunity is another factor that contributes to conditions like Raynaud's and hypothyroidism. Autoimmunity occurs when a person's immune system starts to attack healthy tissues. Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are prone to Raynaud’s syndrome.

Some studies have proven that when patients with Raynaud's Syndrome were treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication, their Raynaud's Syndrome disappeared. These studies also suggested that Raynaud's syndrome is an early marker of hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome?

The symptoms of Raynaud’s Syndrome include:

1. Numbness in the fingers and toes
2. Pain and difficulty in moving the affected area
3. Tingling sensations
4. Skin colour changes

How is Raynaud’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

Based on the symptoms patients show, the diagnosis is made. Medical experts can ask for photographs that show the changes in skin colour, interact with patients regarding their family medical history and conduct a few tests.

One such test is nail fold capillaroscopy. A health expert places a drop of oil at the base of the fingernail, called a nail fold. Then, the nail fold is seen under the microscope. An abnormality in the capillaries indicates a connective tissue disease, Raynaud's Phenomenon.

Medical experts also prescribe other tests such as complete blood count (CBC), antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, rheumatoid factor (RF) test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to check for inflammation and the existence of any underlying autoimmune diseases.

What is the Best Treatment for Raynaud's Phenomenon?

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, health professionals plan the treatment for Raynaud's Syndrome. If the symptoms are mild, doing lifestyle modifications and avoiding triggers might help. For example, being in warm surroundings, reducing stress, exercising and having a healthy, vitamin-rich diet.

However, if the symptoms are severe, consulting a health professional and following a treatment plan is crucial. Here are some of the best ways to treat Raynaud's phenomenon:

1. Alpha-Blockers: These types of drugs counteract norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that blocks blood vessels. These blockers slow down chemical communication among cells, particularly the nervous system and tissues.
2. Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications help the smallest blood vessels relax and open up. So the patients suffering from Raynaud's Syndrome have fewer attacks.
3. Sympathectomy: In this surgical procedure, tiny nerves near the affected blood vessels are blocked or cut. So, the nerves become unable to send signals to the blood vessels.
4. Nitroglycerin Skin Ointment: Doctors prescribe these types of medicines to heal skin ulcers.
    

Patients with Raynaud's disease can face discomfort from time to time. However, on a positive note, this syndrome is not life-threatening. Following the self-care tips can prevent the attacks. However, patients with Raynaud's phenomenon have underlying medical conditions. It is significant to identify those conditions and seek guidance from a medical expert.