Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a rare disorder of the blood vessels that usually has an impact on the fingers and toes. Put simply, Raynaud’s causes the blood vessels to narrow when you are cold or feeling stressed. If this happens, blood cannot reach the surface of the skin and the affected areas can turn white and blue.
As the affected area starts to warm, it often turns red. However, although Raynaud’s can be extremely painful, there are ways to manage and prevent the symptoms of this disease so that people can still enjoy common winter activities. So, let us discover 3 suggestions that can make life with Raynaud’s a little easier.
Layer Your Clothing
It is no secret that the Raynaud’s response typically occurs when the entire body becomes cold. This means that keeping just your hands and feet warm is not enough to keep the symptoms at bay. To keep your body warm, always wear a few layers so that you can regulate your temperature. Remember to cover any exposed parts of your body as these areas can allow your body temperature to drop. Hats, scarves, and thick socks should form a regular part of your winter wardrobe.
Furthermore, you should also consider investing in a high-quality pair of raynauds gloves to keep pain away. There are some fantastic glove designs out there to suit all styles and tastes so do shop around to find a pair that you like best. Nowadays, Raynaud’s sufferers can even use heated gloves to direct heat to the areas of their hands that need it most. Moreover, although mittens tend to keep hands warmer than fingered gloves, on days where you need more dexterity such as when driving, a pair of fingerless gloves could be a fantastic choice.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
In order to ensure that your body is well equipped to fight off the symptoms of Raynaud’s, there are a few lifestyle changes that you might want to make. First of all, it is essential that you stay hydrated. When you are hydrated, your body limits blood flow to your skin. The water in our bodies holds heat and therefore if you are dehydrated, your body temperature is more likely to fall at a quicker pace. In addition, if you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Smoking severely restricts your blood vessels and can aggravate Raynaud’s symptoms.
Correspondingly, decreasing stress can play a vital part in managing Raynaud’s. Your blood vessels naturally narrow in response to stress and therefore studies have shown that calming activities such as deep breathing, meditating, and creating artwork can reduce stress hormones and raise the temperature of the hands and feet. By the same token, regular exercise can increase circulation. All it takes is a short walk, or some light stretches every day to keep your mind and body active.
Tackle Any Flares
Raynaud’s symptoms are often much more apparent in the winter when the cold temperatures can take a toll on your mind and body. If you notice a flare up, then run your hands or feet under lukewarm water as soon as you come in from the cold to get your circulation flowing until the colour starts to come back. A relaxing soak can also be an effective way to restore the colour to your hands and feet.
It is also important to remember that certain medications such as beta-blockers that are commonly used for high blood pressure can make the symptoms of Raynaud’s worse. If you suspect that your medication might be contributing towards your Raynaud’s symptoms, then it is well worth contacting your doctor. Sometimes, a prescription of calcium channel blockers can ease any flare ups so be prepared to ask about any medications that can help your blood vessels to stay dilated.
Ultimately by practicing self-care and seeking treatment when necessary you can avoid some of the most painful symptoms of Raynaud’s. Above all, although Raynaud’s is not normally life-threatening, complications can occur and therefore if your symptoms worsen, or become more frequent, you must seek urgent medical advice.
Using medicated hand creams can make the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon more manageable. To learn more about caring for your hands, check out this article filled with self-care tips for working women.
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