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Raynaud’s Syndrome occurs in approximately 38% of patients with Sjögren’s.

Raynaud’s Syndrome (sometimes called Raynaud’s phenomenon) is defined as repeated episodes of color changes in the fingers and/or toes with exposure to cold temperatures or during episodes of emotional stress. The color changes are due to a spasm of the blood vessels that feed the fingers and toes. The digits typically turn very white, then can take on a bluish color with prolonged exposure to the cold, and finally can turn very red as blood flow resumes.

Raynaud's Phenomenon

Sjogren's Foundation's Top 5 Tips to control your Raynaud's Syndrome:

  1. If you have access to water when a flare starts, run warm water over your fingers and toes until skin color returns to normal.
  2. Do not smoke — this constricts the blood vessels that feed the hands and feet.
  3. Moisturize your hands and feet every day to prevent your skin from cracking.
  4. When your hands or feet start to feel cold, wiggle your fingers and toes, move your arms and legs around to get blood flowing, or put your hands under your armpits to warm them up.
  5. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Several medications can be used to help the vessels stay dilated, including a class of blood pressure medications called calcium channel blockers. Some medicines, such as beta blockers used for high blood pressure, may make Raynaud’s worse.

These Tips are from the Sjögren's Foundation Patient Education Sheet: Raynaud's Syndrome. 

 


Comments

— Apr 16, 2020

I used Movantik for constipation issues and it made the Raynaud’s symptoms worse and especially the peripheral neuropathy I have in my legs. I have had neuropathy problems with other medications. I have Sjögren’s symptoms and autonomic neuropathy.

— Apr 17, 2020

Nifedipine ER which I needed for my blood pressure is also useful for Raynauds. It helped mine a lot, while not eliminating it completely.

I used the pro cardiac for more than 30 years and they just recently discontinued it . The generic does not work and haven’t found anything at all that helped me like that pro cardia ER. I am suffering everyday trying new medications to work like it did . Looking for a different rheumatologist to cause this one I have is not doing as much for me as he should and doesn’t seem to listen or care so time to find another .

— Feb 3, 2021

When my doctor recommended Viagra I laughed! While it worked well for Raynaud’s, the flushing was too bad for me so I had to stop. I’m now taking Amlodipine and it’s helping some.

— Feb 4, 2021

In addition to the cold, I also have issues with extreme heat. My hands and feet turn a very deep red.

— Jan 3, 2022

Can cardiac micro circulation be affected by Sjögren’s? I cannot tolerate cold (I get angina-type chest pain), I have low exercise tolerance etc.)..yet after years of cardiac work-ups no significant cardiac abnormalities were found. Every symptom I ever had was blamed on my anxious personality..now my daughter developed Raynaud’s ((toes)..Sjögren’s is not taken seriously by doctors..

— Jan 1, 2023

In reply to by Márta Akashe (not verified)

I was diagnosed with microvascular angina, mostly by process of elimination, and am taking Ranalozine sp? Which helped a lot. I also have sjogrens and raynaud's symptoms. I've wondered if they were all related?