Cookies & Tracking Technologies Notification
This website uses cookies and tracking technologies to optimize your experience. Learn More
This website uses cookies and tracking technologies to optimize your experience. Learn More
Raynaud’s disease is a rare condition causing parts of the body to change colors and experience pain and numbness in cold temperatures or under extreme stress.
What occurs in those suffering from Raynaud’s is actually a spasm, or narrowing, of the blood vessels in reaction to the cold, limiting circulation to affected areas. Raynaud’s usually affects the fingers and toes, but the nose, lips, and ears can be affected also.
Raynaud’s tends to appear in girls more so than boys. There are two different types of this disease found in children:
The cause of primary Raynaud’s is often unknown in children.
With secondary Raynaud’s, there are some factors that might contribute to this form of the disease:
Symptoms that are common to both forms of Raynaud’s include:
Raynaud’s is typically diagnosed by a pediatric rheumatologist following extensive bloodwork that will test for certain antibodies and other autoimmune deficiencies. CT scans may also be ordered to view blood vessels and capillaries and to more closely examine the areas troubling your child.
For both forms of Raynaud’s, always covering up with warm, protective layers of clothing in cooler environments can help. This is usually enough treatment for children suffering from primary Renaud’s.
With secondary Renaud’s, it is often necessary to treat any underlying autoimmune deficiencies first that may be leading to blood vessel spasming. In severe cases, prescription medications are available to help keep blood vessels open, encouraging blood flow and avoiding any potential tissue damage.