These two are
circulatory problems with little difference in the
symptoms for normal people. In Raynaud’s disease, affected areas are
fingers and toes (generally not the thumb), which become pale due to
the constriction of the oxygen carrying blood vessels. It could be
due to cold, change in temperature, stress or injury to blood
vessels from vibrating tools. In rare cases, the affected parts can
be earlobes, lips and nose. Women (specifically of the age group of
20-40 years) and older men are more prone to it. Women are supposed
to be at least 5 times more susceptible to it than men.
In case of chronic cases, certain blood tests such as the
antinuclear antibody test and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
are conducted to look for any connective tissue disease or other
autoimmune disorders.
Chilblains,
also referred to as pernio or perniosis, may affect fingers, toes, ears, cheeks or nose; and
exposure to extreme cold is the basic reason. In chilblains, you
have purple-red swellings with itchy and burning sensation, again
because oxygenated blood cannot reach the areas just below the skin
due to blood vessel constriction. These painful swellings generally
appear after several hours of exposure to cold temperatures.
Ironically, in countries with extremely cold temperatures,
chilblains are actually less common since the air is drier and
there is less exposure to a sudden increase in external temperature.
Stress and anxiety (in a very high number of cases,
almost 60%, no particular reason can be sited and
therefore
psychological reasons such as stress and
anxiety are attributed as causes). Remember, in times of
stress the body goes into a “flight or fight” response
which causes the blood flow to the fingers and toes to
be significantly reduced so that blood is conserved for
the vital organs and muscles. In people with Raynaud's
syndrome these responses are exaggerated - causing
troublesome symptoms at inappropriate times.
·
It may be simply because you are a women in the age
group 20-40 and therefore more prone to it.
Of
Chilblains:
·
Exposure to extreme cold, natural or artificial,
followed by sudden warming, is the
primary cause for chilblains. When the skin becomes
cold, the tiny blood vessels beneath the skin narrow and
constrict to prevent the loss of body heat through the
skin. If the skin re-warms too quickly, there is some
leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the
tissues. This causes areas of the skin to become
inflamed and swollen, leading to chilblains.
·
Contact with a cold surface like ice or snow may have
the same effect.
·
People with poor circulation (specifically the elderly)
may get chilblains even at room temperatures.
A number
of allopathic medications on the market work on the principle of
dilating the blood vessels in order to prevent the symptoms of
Raynaud's. Examples are Calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine
(Norvasc), Alpha blockers such as prazosin (Minipress) and
Vasodilators.
In some cases a chemical injection is recommended which works by
blocking the sympathetic nerves in affected areas. In severe cases
surgery on the nerves in the hands and feet may be performed.
Chilblains usually last for about 7-14 days, and then
gradually resolve during the following week. Treatment is not
typically needed, but there is a wide range of soothing creams and
lotions available to relieve the pain.
Your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream to reduce the
itchiness and discomfort. Heparin ointment may also help to improve
circulation in the affected area. Occasionally prescription
medication is necessary.
If you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation, it is advisable to
consult a podiatrist. A podiatrist can provide padding and pressure
relief for chilblain symptoms, as well as reduce pain in corns and
calluses. A course of UV light at the onset of winter will also
benefit circulation in the feet.
There
are also natural alternatives such as herbal and homeopathic
remedies that are highly effective in the treatment of Raynaud’s
Disease and chilblains. These remedies are safe, gentle to use in
the body, and encourage healthy circulation in all extremities.
An extremely effective herb used in traditional Chinese medicine is
Gingko biloba, which restores the functioning of the circulatory
system and improves peripheral blood flow to the extremities.
Zingiber officinalis is more commonly known as Ginger, and acts as a
warming circulatory stimulant and anti-inflammatory. In addition,
Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary) dilates and strengthens blood
vessels and increases peripheral and cerebral circulation.
As
Raynaud’s Disease is related to poor circulation, the most
successful treatment methods are those that provide long-term
assistance with circulation problems. Rosemary, Ginger, and Ginkgo
biloba can do just this – in a natural manner! Used
regularly, these work to effectively restore the function of the
circulatory system; improving blood flow to the extremities while
helping to prevent tissue damage. These herbal ingredients also
address the underlying triggers of Raynaud’s by reducing
inflammation and stress levels while working to guard against cold
fingers and toes.
·
Ginkgo biloba - Leaves of ginkgo are
the ones having medicinal qualities and their main
constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids - antioxidants
that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the
circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve
blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the
stickiness of platelets. Studies indicate that the
beneficial effects of Ginkgo on circulation can help to
prevent tissue damage and poor circulation associated
with Raynaud’s disease.
·
Zinziber officinalis - Ginger is a known circulatory
stimulant and has strong anti-clotting effect. Chinese herbalists often recommend this "hot" herb to
treat conditions involving difficulties with cold,
including the cold fingers caused by Raynaud's. Ginger
is excellent for improving poor peripheral circulation
in Raynaud's disease and chilblains, and as a warming
circulatory stimulant. It also has strong
anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is
used to treat the pain of arthritis and similar
complaints. Ginger is an excellent remedy for digestive
disturbances including relief of nausea, vomiting,
flatulence and indigestion.
·
Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary) - This dilates and
strengthens blood vessels and increases peripheral and
cerebral circulation. Rosemary is an invigorating herb,
relieving depression and imparting a zest for life often
helpful in preventing fatigue and stress. As a
combination between a nerve stimulant and circulatory
tonic, Rosemary is particularly suited to conditions
which cause symptoms of cold due to poor circulation.
·
Vaccinium myrtillus (Billberry) - Leaves contain caffeic acid, irridoids and
tannins and are known to be beneficial in the treatment
of diabetes. Most famous use of bilberry is in the
treatment for vein and lymphatic disorders. This is
achieved by the berries of bilberry which are rich in anthocyanins that strengthen the capillaries and reduce
their permeability. Other constituents of the bilberry
berry are vitamin C, tannins and catechin, a polyphenol.
Anthocyanins, which are antioxidants, along with vitamin
C fight against the free radicals present in the food
and the atmosphere. These, together with vitamin E, have
proved to be very good in treating eyesight related
problems as well as in improving cataract symptoms in
the older people.
·
Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) is found only on the
slopes of the Cedarberg mountains in the Western Cape of
South Africa and has been used as a natural medicine for
thousands of years by the indigenous people of that
area. It is used as an all round systemic tonic, to help
support digestive health, healthy liver functioning and
maintain healthy blood sugar levels within the normal
range. Like bilberry, Rooibos also has powerful
anti-oxidant properties, mainly due to its supeoxide
dismutase (SOD) mimetic properties. SOD is an enzyme in
the body that is especially designed to neutralize
unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) as soon as
they occur and systemic SOD can therefore help to
maintain visual health.
·
Sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis) – This herb is
found throughout Europe and in Northern regions of Asia
and thrives in well drained, slightly alkaline soils and
plenty of sunlight which is usually provided by the dry
fields and wastelands. Leaves comprise
three oval and serrated leaflets whereas the flowers
growing at the top of the stems are yellow in color with
a sweet smell and form a conical structure. The stems,
leaves and flowers, all are used in making herbal
preparations. These aerial parts of sweet clover mainly
contain melilotoside, a glucoside, and certain
flavonoids. Melilotoside helps in strengthening blood
vessels and is property therefore renders sweet clover
very useful in treating circulating problems like
varicose veins and swelling due to fluid retention.
Fungal contamination of sweet clover produces dicoumarol,
a compound that prevents clotting of blood.
Other than avoiding exposure to cold, there are some
dietary habits too that can help you remain warm.
Frequently taken hot drinks and meals should keep you
warm throughout the day. Breakfast should consist of
warm milk and some cereal.
·
Research has proved the importance of vitamin C in the
treatment of Raynaud’s disease. Thus intake of vitamin C
source rich seed oils, avocados, oily fish must be
increased. Most of these foods also contain omega-3
fatty acids known to dilate blood vessels thus reduces
the chances of you getting spasms.
·
Small amounts of alcohol help in deconstructing the
blood vessels.
·
Deficiency of iron alters thyroid metabolism, which
regulates body heat. Therefore iron-replete diet full of
poultry, fish, lean meat and leafy green vegetables is
very important along with orange juice which helps
absorb iron.
·
Fatty acids, basically gamma linolenic acid (GLA), in
evening primrose oil (EPO) inhibit the formation of
biochemical messengers (prostaglandins) that promote
blood vessel constriction. Supplements of EPO are widely
available but should be taken only under medical
supervision.
·
Inositol hexaniacinate - a variation on the B3 vitamin
niacin has been used to reduce the frequency of Raynaud’s disease. It lessens the spasms of their
arteries and improves peripheral circulation. People
taking this supplement should do it under the
supervision of a doctor.
When your fingers become numb, twirl your arms like a
base ball pitcher to literally throw blood into the
arms. Place your hands under your armpits or between
your thighs to warm them up.
·
Don’t wear woolen socks and fleece-lined boots as they
make you sweat more and in turn get your feet colder.
Instead wear cotton-blended socks with normal boots and
fill in some absorbent foot powder. Cover up with
tights, long trousers and high-top boots while going out
in snow. Thermal or insulating insoles can help to keep
the foot warm to prevent chilblains from developing.
·
Clothing should be in layers and loose fitting. A hat is
very important.
·
Warm up gradually and do not expose the skin to
any source of heat such as hot water bottles and
heaters, especially if your hands and feet are cold. If
the skin is broken, use an antiseptic dressing to
prevent the chilblains becoming infected.
·
Don’t smoke and have plenty of fluids like hot herbal
teas. The nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood
vessels to constrict resulting in a drop in body
temperature in the extremities. This can induce an
attack - so if you are a smoker, try to stop smoking
naturally.
·
Exercise regularly! Keeping fit with a regular
exercise routine will encourage circulation and reduce
the chances of Raynaud’s attacks. Exercise vigorously
before going out into the cold to improve circulation.
·
Relieving stress is equally important. Stress is
a common trigger of Raynaud’s so find ways to recognize
and better manage your stress. Avoid those situations
that tend to stress you and adopt
stress relieving
techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing
exercises.
