Chrissy in CT's blog: "Nobody knows...."

What Is Raynaud's Phenomenon? Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the extremities—generally, the fingers and toes. It is characterized by episodic attacks, called vasospastic attacks, in which the blood vessels in the digits (fingers and toes) constrict (narrow), usually in response to cold temperatures and/or emotional stress. When this condition occurs on its own, it is called primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. When it occurs with another condition such as scleroderma or lupus, it is called secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon. I post this as informational to those suffering with lupus here on the site and to those who may be experiencing symptoms such as these and not realizing what it is. These were my fingers this morning and afternoon in response to the cold temperature in my office. Today the middle finger of my left hand was the one affected with a loss of circulation completely to the tip, with no feeling or sensation in it. The temperatures today were not below freezing but were cold enough to cause this response. It can be quite painful and if you are experiencing symptoms like these please let your primary care physician know because although Raynauds can be a stand alone condition it is also associated with Lupus as in my case.