Raynaud phenomenon

A transient peripheral vasospastic disorder characterized by episodic digital ischemia triggered by cold exposure or emotional stress, causing well-demarcated triphasic (white–blue–red) color changes of the fingers and/or toes, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or pain.

Causes

• Primary Raynaud phenomenon

  • Idiopathic

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Female sex

  • Younger age

  • Cold climate exposure

• Secondary Raynaud phenomenon

  • Autoimmune diseases

    • Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)

    • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

    • Rheumatoid arthritis

    • Sjögren's syndrome

  • Atherosclerosis

  • Occupational causes: Vibration exposure (tools/machinery)

  • Medication-related causes

    • β-blockers

    • Migraine medications (ergot derivatives, triptans)

    • Amphetamines

    • Vasoconstrictive drugs

  • Other causes

    • Smoking

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome

    • Cold exposure