Raynaud's phenomenon: Raynaud ' s disease is a

Raynaud ' s disease is a condition that affects blood flow to the skin, causing numbness and color changes in response to cold or stress. Learn about the types, symptoms, causes and treatments of Raynaud ' s disease from Mayo Clinic experts. Raynaud's phenomenon (often just called Raynaud's ), is a condition where the small blood vessels of the fingers become narrow (constrict). This happens most often when they are in a cool environment. Blood vessels to other extremities such as the toes, ears and nose may also be affected. It is named after Dr Maurice Raynaud , the man who first described it in 1862. Raynaud's phenomenon (disease) occurs due to spasms of blood vessels. Raynaud's phenomenon is a type of vascular disease characterized by color changes of the skin, most commonly after exposure to cold. The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown, although abnormal nerve control of blood-vessel diameter and nerve sensitivity to cold is suspected of being involved. Raynaud phenomenon , is vasospasm of parts of the hand in response to cold or emotional stress, causing reversible discomfort and color changes (pallor, cyanosis, erythema, or a combination) in one or more digits. Occasionally, other acral parts (eg, nose, tongue) are affected. The condition may be primary or secondary. Diagnosis is clinical; testing focuses on distinguishing primary from secondary disease. Treatment of uncomplicated cases includes avoidance of cold, biofeedback, smoking ...