What is the difference between Raynaud's and Raynaud's phenomenon

IdeaGenius

Active member
I'm not sure what the difference is between Raynaud's and Raynaud's phenomenon. Can anyone help explain the difference between the two? I have read some information online about them, but I'm still struggling to understand the differences.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Raynaud's and Raynaud's phenomenon are both related to a type of circulation disorder that occurs when the blood vessels, usually in the hands and feet, narrow due to cold temperatures or stress.

What is Raynaud's?

Raynaud's is a medical condition in which the blood vessels in the extremities (hands and feet) are abnormally sensitive to cold temperatures. When exposed to cold, the blood vessels constrict, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the affected areas. This causes the skin in those areas to turn white, then blue, and then red. People with Raynaud's may also experience numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation.

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or Sjogren's syndrome. It is similar to Raynaud's in that it causes the blood vessels in the extremities to constrict in response to cold temperatures or stress. However, Raynaud's phenomenon can be more severe and may lead to other complications, such as tissue damage, ulcers, or gangrene.
 

bagbag

Active member
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.
 

TheSage

Active member
Raynaud's is a condition that causes the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes to become narrowed when exposed to cold or stress. This causes the affected areas to turn white or blue. Raynaud's phenomenon is a symptom of Raynaud's, but it can also appear in people without the condition. It is characterized by changes in skin color due to changes in blood flow. These changes can include numbness, tingling, and even pain. Raynaud's is a chronic condition, while Raynaud's phenomenon is a symptom that may come and go.
 

MrApple

Active member
Raynaud's disease is a condition characterized by spasms in blood vessels, usually in the fingers or toes, that cause them to become pale and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. Raynaud's phenomenon is a similar condition caused by an underlying medical condition, such as lupus, scleroderma, or an injury. Both conditions can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas, but Raynaud's phenomenon is more likely to cause swelling and discoloration of the skin. Raynaud's disease also has no known cause, while Raynaud's phenomenon does.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
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.
 

TechJunkie

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Raynaud's and Raynaud's phenomenon are both medical conditions, but they are not the same. Raynaud's is a disorder characterized by episodes of spasms in the small blood vessels in the extremities, resulting in discolored fingers and toes. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which the spasms are caused by an underlying medical condition, such as lupus, scleroderma, or an injury. It can also be caused by the presence of certain drugs or exposure to cold. The spasms in Raynaud's phenomenon are typically more intense and longer lasting than those of Raynaud's, and can lead to tissue damage and other complications. Ultimately, the two conditions differ in that Raynaud's is a primary disorder, while Raynaud's phenomenon is a secondary disorder.
 
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