Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where cold temperatures or stress cause your fingers and toes to feel numb, cool, or change colors
 Medically reviewed by Dr Rehaam Ali Khan 



It’s caused by the body’s reaction to sudden changes in temperature. During a Raynaud’s attack, blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow, decreasing the amount of blood flow to the area and causing an array of uncomfortable sensations. 

Although it is not life-threatening, Raynaud's phenomenon can be extremely uncomfortable. Symptoms include discoloration of the skin (most commonly blue and white) as well as numbness and tingling sensations. In some cases, it can lead to sores or ulcers on your fingertips or toes due to reduced blood flow. Additionally, those with this condition may also experience muscle pain in their hands and feet after exposure to cold temperatures. 

Raynaud's phenomenon affects up to 5 percent of Americans, mostly women between 20-40 years old living in colder climates. Risk factors for this condition include smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use; repetitive movements like typing on a computer; autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis; medications such as beta blockers used for high blood pressure; lupus; as well as some medical treatments such as chemotherapy. 

If you think you may have Raynaud’s phenomenon it’s important that you speak with your doctor so that they can determine if there are any underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as avoiding extreme temperatures (cold and hot), quitting smoking if applicable, wearing gloves during colder months, taking steps to reduce stress levels, or using medications to help dilate blood vessels so more blood can reach your extremities. If left untreated, Raynaud’s can lead to complications like skin ulcerations which can take weeks or months to heal completely.