Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Raynauds - should I be concerned?

29 replies

SilkieChick · 16/02/2023 15:02

I've been getting Raynaud's symptoms in my hands more often recently - usually in a couple of fingers to the point where they're white and completely numb. This usually occurs when I move from a warm place to a cooler place - like if I get into the car to drive somewhere on a cold day.

My toes are sometimes numb too so I guess it's the same thing, again if I'm out for a run or walk this might happen. I have what I think is a chilblain on one of my toes too.

Is this something to be concerned about? It's not really been an issue before. I'm 45 and perimenopausal - could it be linked to that? Any experience or advice welcome.

OP posts:
Dogsgottabone · 16/02/2023 15:06

I've had it since my early 30s, my dad has it too.

My hands have been worse this winter also.

I don't think it's anything to worry about and I haven't connected it to my peri meno

You could ask your GP if you are worried. I believe there is medication but I'd rather avoid that unless I have to.

JustDanceAddict · 16/02/2023 15:25

Mine got worse in my late 30s - Dr did refer to rheumatology but all was fine.

Whywaistedwyonna · 16/02/2023 15:31

I started experiencing Raynaud attacks for the first time at 47 - It went on to be part of an autoimmune disorder so you’re right to be wary and keep an eye on it.

BigPandaLittlePanda · 16/02/2023 15:54

I'm afraid I don't have any advice on worsening symptoms but, as a fellow sufferer, I really sympathise and can recommend a proper sheepskin steering-wheel cover (this sort of thing www.celticandco.com/home-living/accessories/accessories/steering-wheel-cover?colourid=276) Holding a cold steering wheel is definitely a trigger for me.

ThankfulWifeandSahm · 16/02/2023 15:59

Reynauds is an autoimmune disorder and usually accompanies another autoimmune disorder,but not always.
It's definitely not connected to menopause.You should discuss it with your rheumatologist if it gets worse😊

ThePittts · 16/02/2023 16:03

Had Raynauds for as long as I can remember, from primary school, white fingers etc. now almost 60 a lot better than it was. My DM also suffered with this. Hot baths help me

picklemewalnuts · 16/02/2023 16:10

Definitely recommend a steering wheel cover! Mine is rubber and velour. It makes such a difference. Also, I wear gloves more than I used. I'd never drive without them.

However, to my surprise I've found that if I keep my core warm, my hands don't get cold. So I sit with hot packs on my lap, and a blanket over (not when driving!!) and find my hands are great indoors now.

Original poster
SilkieChick · 16/02/2023 21:12

Thanks all, those replies have been really helpful Smile

I'll keep an eye on it for now - and might invest in one of those steering wheel covers too!

OP posts:
Dogsgottabone · 16/02/2023 21:34

I agree with @picklemewalnuts i wear sheepskin mittens all the time even into warm spring weather. Actually that's the really dangerous time for me when I think I'm warm and then the temp drops again.

Leather finger gloves make my hands go much colder and react more than mittens.

I am considering a steering wheel cover now too!

whereareyousleep · 16/02/2023 22:28

Just had something similar and was told there are 2 different types primary which starts at a young age and secondary that's start older 30+ if it develops after that age then it needs checking as it is generally cause by an underlying auto immune condition like lupus/sjorgens syndrome etc. so I would recommend seeing you G.P.

tommika · 16/02/2023 22:56

I have a version of Raynauds in one fingertip, which is obviously triggered by the cold but I also have a nervous system issue that magnifies a slight brush of the finger into extreme pain

I have a precaution for Coracten which I take once a day during cold periods and don’t need in Spring and Summer.
(My original prescription was Nifidipress but it’s not currently in production)

This makes a definite difference and I can generally go around just putting my hand into a pocket unless it’s cold, then I will wear a light glove (I have a lot of glove liners kept everywhere and carry one most of the time)
For proper winter weather I’ll wear better gloves
But I really dislike the loss of the sense of touch and prefer to be without gloves or to wear the absolute minimum of thin gloves

My finger also works as a barometer and I can predict a change in the weather, so I know when the gloves need to come out!

When I’m in pain it only lasts a short while, at first I’d have a good swear, but now can deal
with most by deep breathing. In colder weather if I’ve not taken pills then it’s much worse. On a couple of occasions I’ve ended up missing pills for a long weekend, then it’s taken up to a week to build back up the protection

Speak to your GP to rule out any other potential conditions and see what specifics they can diagnose for yours.

scrivette · 16/02/2023 23:28

I have it and it's been particularly bad this year and I have lots of chilblains on my hands.

I find wearing wrist warmers in the house helps and I can wear them whilst working from home too.

I have found that gloves don't do any good but I have recently invested in a pair of sheepskin mittens that have been a big help as I sized up and I can keep my hands balled up in them.

Spongeboob · 16/02/2023 23:52

Oh people I can talk to! I've had it for years (runs in the family) but just the bright red lobster hands and bulging veins on back of hands when I’m hot, stressed or anxious.
I’m now 33 and it's taken a turn this year. White-hot sharp pain or pins and needles would be how I'd describe it. I had my hands tucked into my armpits for ages a couple of nights ago and when I looked at them, my finger tips were dark purple/grey. Frightened me. Probably time to finally push the GP for an official diagnosis, they've always just taken one look and said "yep, looks like it" but not put it on my record.

teezletangler · 17/02/2023 01:13

I developed it out of nowhere in my mid-20s. My big trigger was the chilled foods / freezer sections of the supermarket! It disappeared entirely when I was at pregnant at 35, and has never come back to the same extent.

Abc12389 · 17/02/2023 04:19

I have read it can be due to a magnesium deficiency.

Coyoacan · 17/02/2023 11:53

Just a curious fact. I'm from the UK and live in Mexico City. I suffered from Reynaud's since I was twelve and get it again when I go back home but have never had it here even though it gets very cold in the winter

neverwantedthis22 · 24/02/2023 16:38

I am sure I have this too. Thanks for posting and the helpful tips. I drove home from a night school class (about 10 min drive) but it was really cold. When I got home my middle left finger went numb and when I looked at it it was white. My toes often feel numb but my house is v cold. It's happened a few times that I've had a very bad sharp pain on my hand or thumb and my hand's turned purple with a bruise. It's come from no where and I can't recall having knocked it but there is a bruise which goes away and the pain. Thinking about it this happens when I've washed my hands in cold water. Going to invest in some better gloves and a steering wheel cover.

Whywaistedwyonna · 24/02/2023 19:29

Coyoacan · 17/02/2023 11:53

Just a curious fact. I'm from the UK and live in Mexico City. I suffered from Reynaud's since I was twelve and get it again when I go back home but have never had it here even though it gets very cold in the winter

I think it depends if you have primary or secondary Raynauds - I have the latter and even shock and stress is enough to set off an attack, nothing like it being 80 degrees out and suffering with blue cold hands.

crochetcrazy1978 · 24/02/2023 20:57

Raynauds can be linked to an autoimmune disorder called scleroderma. Maybe check if you have any other symptoms

CosmicSoup · 07/11/2023 01:00

Whywaistedwyonna · 16/02/2023 15:31

I started experiencing Raynaud attacks for the first time at 47 - It went on to be part of an autoimmune disorder so you’re right to be wary and keep an eye on it.

Sorry to dig this up but what autoimmune disorder was it? My Raynaud's (undiagnosed) is getting so bad

crochetcrazy1978 · 07/11/2023 20:41

@cosmicsoup scleroderma is often linked with raynauds

CosmicSoup · 07/11/2023 21:02

"On the other hand, those diagnosed with an advanced and systemic version of the disease have a prognosis of anywhere from three to 15 years."

Well I hope it's not that 😵‍💫
No idea what it is but I am prone to autoimmune stuff, I have mild Asthma, hayfever, crazy dandruff, excessive earwax constantly blocked ears and in recent years tingling/spasm feeling in fingers all the time, random slight shooting aches n stiffness. Seen three physios and now demanding to see a neurologist

crochetcrazy1978 · 08/11/2023 15:56

@cosmicsoup the antibody scl70 showed up in my blood tests which is indicative of scleroderma. Been for loads of tests and not currently enough physical signs to formally diagnose but rheumatology keeping a close eye on me. I was also pretty worried when they mentioned it and saw the same stats. Consultant said they are outdated and these days there is much more treatment options so it's not the death sentence it once was thankfully!

Floralnomad · 08/11/2023 16:05

Mine started when I was 17 and I’m in my late 50s now , some years are worse than others . I have a whole host of autoimmune problems and this was the first . Aside from keeping your extremities warm there are medications that help some people like nifedipine , although that didn’t work for me .