Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
What does that even mean? This is not about changes in pigmentation or melanin. This is not about some Michael Jackson phenomenon. It is time to highlight and learn about Raynaud’s Disease.
Most people have not heard of Raynaud’s disease. It is a vascular disorder that presents as what many would describe as discoloration of the fingers and toes at random times. But the “random times” are not really random, but moments where the blood flow to the fingers and toes is decreased or compromised.
When our bodies experience temperature changes, especially colder temperatures, the blood flow can change. In cold temperatures, blood flow can slow down. This is because of what we call vasoconstriction. In response to the cold temperature, the body constricts blood vessels, which makes the blood vessel have a small diameter, and also decreases the blood flow to the extremities like the hands and feet to prioritize blood flow to more essential areas and organs in the body.
For most people, when they experience cold temperatures they feel the coldness and their body adapts overall. This is excluding extreme cold temperatures where no one should be “adapting” but finding a way to stay warm or get out of the cold temperatures.
But, on a regular winter day or a moment of walking into a building with blasted air conditioning, most people should not feel a big difference in their blood flow.
But it is different for those with Raynaud’s. Those with Raynaud’s Disease who experience a cold environment even for a moment will have discoloration of their fingers and toes.
Imagine your normal skin tone on your fingers going super pale suddenly. And not always all the fingers but a select few each and every time. That is what Raynaud’s disease presents as.
Then, when you return to a warmer space, the hands and feet slowly return to their “normal” complexion. As much as this sounds like a cool trick, it is a problem that should be addressed.
Mild Raynaud’s disease causes discoloration of the skin, but under the surface that is decreased or no blood flow to that finger or toe. Decreased blood flow can lead to tissue damage or tissue death if left untreated.
Many people do not realize they might have Raynaud’s disease. They often adapt and try to be protective and preventative, but the underlying problem never gets addressed. If you think you might or someone else has Raynaud’s disease, then you should see a medical doctor so you can get the appropriate treatment. The medication treatment will improve your blood flow to your hands and feet and prevent the disease from progressing to more complications or even amputations.
Every part of the body needs good and consistent blood flow to survive and function. Blood flow is not something we want to be decreased or compromised in any part of our body.
We can see Raynaud’s disease in the extremity, so it is easier to treat.
But, we cannot see deceased blood flow to the brain or heart very well, which is why regular checkups and managing chronic issues are so important.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
