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Raynaud's phenomenon

In Raynaud's phenomenon, small blood vessels in the fingers or toes temporarily become very narrow. A finger or toe may become pale, blue or red and feel cold, numb or painful. Cold, air conditioning and stress are common triggers. Raynaud's is usually harmless, but a first attack later in life, sores or lasting discolouration may point to another condition and need assessment.

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  • In Raynaud's phenomenon, small blood vessels temporarily become very narrow. This reduces blood flow to a finger or toe and changes its colour. An attack is often triggered by cold, a sudden temperature change or emotional stress.
  • An attack may have one, two or three colour phases. An area may first turn white, then bluish, then red as blood returns. Not everyone sees every colour, and on dark skin a lighter, greyish or purplish shade may be more noticeable.
  • Primary Raynaud's occurs on its own and usually causes no permanent damage. Secondary Raynaud's results from another condition or influence and can pose a greater threat to the blood supply.
  • Warm up gradually and protect your skin. A sore, black discolouration, lasting numbness or severe pain is not something to wait out at home.
  • Discuss new or changed attacks with your own GP (family doctor). For urgent GP care outside office hours, call the out-of-hours GP service (HAP) on 9252; for immediate danger to life, call Ambulance 912.

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