Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes narrowing of the small blood vessels (arterioles) in the fingers and toes in response to cold temperatures or stress. There are two main types: primary Raynaud's disease, which has no underlying cause, and secondary Raynaud's, which is caused by another condition like connective tissue disease, injury, or exposure to vibrating tools. Symptoms include numbness, pain, and color changes in the skin from blanching to blue or red. Diagnosis involves examining the extremities for color changes and reduced sensation in response to cold. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking and stress as well as medications to dilate blood vessels.

1. RAYNAUD’S DISEASE
RATHEESH R.L

2. DEFINITION
 It is the disorder affecting the blood vessels of the fingers
and toe which become abnormally constricted.
 It causes decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes
and rarely affecting the blood vessels of nose, ears, lips
and nipple.

3. TYPES
 Primary raynaud’s disease
 Secondary raynaud’s disease

4. PRIMARY RAYNAUD’S DISEASE
 When the condition occur by its own and is not
associated with any other disease.

5. SECONDARY RAYNAUD’S DISEASE
 When the condition occurs because of another
underlying cause.
 The causes are,
 Atherosclerosis
 Connective tissue disorders
 Carpel tunnel syndrome
 Smoking
 Injuries of hand and feet
 Use of chemotherapeutic drugs

6. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
 The condition beginning with feeling of numbness
 Sensation of cold
 Burning pain
 Parasthesia (loss of sensation)
 Intermittent colour changes of one or more digits
 Other symptoms are,
 Swelling
 Skin ulcer
 Pain
 Gangrene
 pallor

7. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
 History collection and physical examination
The patient should be assessed for family
history of cardiac or vascular disorder, history of
hypertension etc.
In the physical examination the nurse should
check color changes in the extrimity and should monitor
any signs of loss of sensation.

8.  Cold stimulation test
in this test the affected area is briefly exposed to
cold, usually in ice water.
if the patient is having raynaud’s disease it will take
more than normal time to become sensed in relation to
other parts of the body.

9.  Nail fold capillaroscopy:
In this test the doctor will put a drop
of oil in the skin at base of finger nail and then looks at it
under a microscope.
So that the doctor can observe the narrowing of arteries.

10.  Blood studies
In the blood studies usually ESR level will be
get increased.

11. MANAGEMENT
 1. LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS
 PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

12. LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS
 AVOID SMOKING
The smoking can cause decrease in the skin
temperature and increase in the constriction of
blood vessels.so that it should be avoided.
 REGULAR EXERCISE
It will increase the circulation through out the body
and helps for vasodialation.
 CONTROL STRESS
Avoidance of stressful condition will helps to
prevent hypertensive attacks and prevent from
narrowing of blood vessels

13.  AVOID CAFFINE
Caffine cause constriction of blood vessels, so it
should be avoided.
 TAKE CARE OF HANDS AND FEET
If the patient is having this disease should give care
to hands and toes, prevent it from injuries, avoid
wearing tight dresses

14. PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT
1. CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS
it will helps to dialate the blood vessels in
hands and feet.
Eg: Amlodipine
Nifedipin

15.  ALPHA BLOCKERS
It will helps for the vasodialation of blood
vessels.
EG: PRAZOCIN
 VASODIALATORS
It will helps to dialate the blood vessels.
EG: NITROGLYCERIN

16.  Treatment with antibiotics are necessary if
the patient developing gangrene.

17. NURSING MANAGEMENT
1. Instruct the patient to avoid smoking and
alcoholism
2. Advice the patient to take well balanced diet which
is low in fat, oil and lipids.
3. Advice the patient to perform regular exercise
4. Advice to avoid wearing tight dresses.
5. Instruct the patient to go for regular medical
check-up
6. Assess the extrimities for parasthesia and
cyanosis