Raynaud's and Raynaud's phenomenon are two separate medical conditions that both involve changes in the blood vessels of the fingers and toes.
Raynaud's is a medical condition that causes the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes to overreact to cold temperatures or stress. This causes the blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow to the affected areas, leading to a pale or blue appearance in the skin. People with Raynaud's may also experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas. Raynaud's is a lifelong condition that has no cure, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications.
Raynaud's phenomenon, on the other hand, is a symptom that is caused by other medical conditions. It is similar to Raynaud's in that it causes the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes to overreact to cold temperatures or stress, leading to a pale or blue appearance in the skin. However, Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon will depend on the underlying medical condition, and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
In summary, Raynaud's is a lifelong condition characterized by overreactive blood vessels in the fingers and toes, while Raynaud's phenomenon is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Both conditions can cause the skin to turn pale or blue, as well as numbness, tingling, or pain. Treatment for Raynaud's will focus on managing the condition, while treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon will focus on treating the underlying medical condition.