What causes Raynaud's (Raynaud's disease) syndrome?

From the Guidelines

Raynaud's syndrome is primarily caused by an exaggerated vascular response to cold temperatures or emotional stress, involving abnormal narrowing of small blood vessels, particularly in the fingers and toes, as supported by recent evidence 1. The exact cause of Raynaud's syndrome isn't fully understood, but it is known to involve vasospasm, which occurs when blood vessels overreact to cold or stress by constricting excessively, temporarily limiting blood flow to affected areas. Some key factors that can trigger or exacerbate Raynaud's syndrome include:

• Cold temperatures
• Emotional stress
• Certain medications, such as beta-blockers, migraine medications, and some chemotherapy drugs
• Repetitive trauma, like using vibrating tools
• Smoking
• Chemical exposure
• Underlying medical conditions, particularly autoimmune disorders like scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis As noted in a recent study 1, cold exposure and sudden temperature changes are major triggers for Raynaud's phenomenon, and patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often report more frequent and longer Raynaud's phenomenon exacerbations during winter compared to summer. To manage Raynaud's syndrome, it is recommended to avoid known triggers, wear warm clothing, and use heating devices for the hands, as suggested by recent research 1. Additionally, physical exercise and promotion of physical activity have been found to improve patient outcomes in several studies, including those with SSc and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 1. Some specific strategies that may be helpful include:
• Wearing gloves and heating devices for the hands
• Avoiding direct contact with cold surfaces
• Thoroughly drying the skin
• Engaging in physical exercise and promoting physical activity
• Considering physiotherapy to improve functional impairment Overall, managing Raynaud's syndrome requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the individual's specific triggers and needs, as well as their overall health and well-being, as emphasized in recent guidelines 1.

From the Research

Causes of Raynaud's Syndrome

• The exact cause of Raynaud's syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to blood flow problems in the hands and feet 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Some studies suggest that Raynaud's syndrome may be caused by an abnormal response to cold temperatures or stress, which can cause the blood vessels to constrict or spasm 3, 4.
• Other possible causes of Raynaud's syndrome include:
  • Connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma or lupus 2, 5, 6
  • Injuries or trauma to the hands or feet 3
  • Certain medications, such as beta blockers or certain chemotherapy drugs 3
  • Smoking or exposure to certain chemicals 3

Risk Factors

• Certain factors can increase a person's risk of developing Raynaud's syndrome, including:
  • Family history of the condition 3
  • Age, with most cases occurring in people under the age of 30 3
  • Sex, with women more likely to develop the condition than men 3
  • Certain medical conditions, such as scleroderma or lupus 2, 5, 6

Underlying Mechanisms

• The underlying mechanisms of Raynaud's syndrome are not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormalities in blood flow and vascular function 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Some studies suggest that Raynaud's syndrome may be related to an imbalance in the levels of certain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endothelin 3, 5.