Rheumatology and Internal Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said that the most important symptom of Raynaud's Syndrome (RB) is the blue-purple discoloration of the fingertips of the hands and / or feet, sometimes when exposed to cold and sometimes with stress.
Stating that the blue-purple discoloration of the fingertips of the hands and/or toes, which sometimes occurs on stressful days and sometimes in cold weather, may be a sign of Raynaud's Phenomenon (syndrome), Rheumatology and Internal Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu from Liv Hospital Samsun gave important warnings. Stating that Raynaud's Phenomenon, which occurs due to temperature changes and stress, is seen in 3-5 percent of the society, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “The most important symptom of Raynaud's Syndrome (RB) is the blue-purple discoloration of the fingertips of the hands and/or feet, sometimes when exposed to cold and sometimes with stress. The disease is caused by narrowing of the blood vessels. Normally, blood vessels leading to the skin constrict in cold weather to reduce heat loss. However, this process is prolonged in Raynaud's disease. After a while, the oxygen level in the vessels decreases due to impaired blood supply and the skin becomes blue-purple discolored. This blue-violet discoloration is followed by a dilation of the veins. Then the fingertips turn pink-red again,” he said.
It occurs most often in young women
Emphasizing that Raynaud's disease can sometimes occur alone and may not be accompanied by any comorbidities, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu emphasized that this is called primary-primary RB (PRB). Adding that Raynaud's disease can also occur as a pre-symptom of another disease or during the course of the disease, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu stated that this is called secondary-secondary RB (SRB). Pointing out that Raynaud's disease is most common in young women, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “PRB also has a genetic aspect. Relatives of those with PRB may also have similar symptoms. The response to treatment in PRB is generally good, it does not cause any significant problems.”
May be seen together with rheumatic diseases
Stating that secondary Raynaud's syndrome (SRB) may also occur during the course of inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), SLE, Sjögren's syndrome, anti-phospholipid syndrome, poly-dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “SRB may also accompany diseases of other systems caused by the body defense system. In some patients, the auricle, nose, face, knees and nipples may also be affected. Rarely, RB can be seen in the whole arm and leg. In addition to discoloration of the fingers, there may be pins and needles, numbness and pain. If the narrowing period of the vessels lasts for a long time, it can be dangerous for the tissues. Wounds may develop on the fingertips due to impaired blood supply.”
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said that the diagnosis of Raynaud's syndrome is made with the patient's typical complaints (blue-purple discoloration, coldness, pain in the fingers that develops with cold and stress) and the patient's examination, and underlined that different imaging methods can be used in suspected cases and other causes that cause similar complaints should be excluded.
They should stay away from smoking and cold
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu made the following suggestions about what a patient diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome should pay attention to in their lives:
“Patients should protect their bodies from cold and choose clothes accordingly. They should definitely wear gloves and wool socks in cold weather. They should stay away from smoking. Nicotine and similar chemicals in cigarettes cause narrowing of the vessels and worsen Raynaud's disease. Medications that cause vasoconstriction may also have negative effects. Therefore, treatment choices should be made accordingly. For example, some cold and flu medications, migraine medications and some medications used in psychiatry can cause vasoconstriction. It should not be forgotten that stress also has a vasoconstrictor effect.”
Whether there is an underlying disease is important in treatment
Stating that it is important in the drug treatment of RB whether the symptom is primary (primary) or secondary (secondary) with another disease, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “The treatment plan is made by evaluating whether there is another underlying disease. In SRB, treatment of the accompanying disease is prioritized. In addition, other vasodilating treatments are evaluated according to the patient's condition. In addition, if there are other medications used by the patient, their effects on RB are evaluated and if necessary, arrangements are made accordingly.”
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