Typical to Raynaud's disease, this image displays purple toes due to constricted blood vessels. Raynaud's disease, or Raynaud's phenomena, refers to abnormal constriction of blood vessels due to cold, causing a blue and white color change of the affected extremity. This image displays the blue color of the fingers typical of Raynaud's disease due to the constriction of blood vessels. This image displays white toes from constriction of the skin's blood vessels. This image displays fingers that are purple and chronically cold due to Raynaud's disease. This image displays the hands of a person with scleroderma and a severe case of Raynaud's disease.
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Raynaud's Disease  Information for adults

Picture of Raynaud's Disease: Typical to Raynaud's disease, this image displays purple toes due to constricted blood vessels. Divider line
Typical to Raynaud's disease, this image displays purple toes due to constricted blood vessels.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
  • Oral medications, including nifedipine (a blood pressure medication), epoprostenol (a prostaglandin), or a drug that affects the nerves (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), such as fluoxetine.
  • Topical nitroglycerin paste, which helps to dilate blood vessels, may be used as needed to treat or prevent active Raynaud's disease. Apply the paste carefully as it can lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) if used on large areas.
  • Biofeedback, which is a treatment technique in which people are trained to improve their health by using signals from their own bodies, is another therapy for Raynaud's disease.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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