Raynaud's disease is a condition in which tiny blood vessels in the fingers, toes, nose, and ears go into spasm (called vasospasm). This reduces blood flow, so tissues get less oxygen. As a result, the skin changes color and may go numb or tingle; it feels cooler as well. Symptoms can last from minutes to hours. First noted in 1862 by French doctor Maurice Raynaud, the disease is bothersome and mildly discomforting but not linked most of the time with other more dangerous conditions. Women from ages 15 to 50 are most vulnerable to Raynaud's disease, but it can strike anyone at any age.
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Key Symptoms 
Tingling, numbness, or a drop in skin temperature in affected areas
A change in skin color, from white to reddish blue
Changes in skin texture over time
Fingertip sores in serious cases
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What Causes Raynaud's disease?
Experts know that Raynaud's symptoms are due to an overreaction of the blood vessels, but they have never identified the precise cause. The theory is that the nerves in the areas where this is most common respond abnormally, most often to cold stimuli such as lower outdoor temperatures, the icy air in a refrigerator or air-conditioned room, or the chill from holding a cool drink. Stress is also a trigger. Raynaud's symptoms may be a side effect of decongestants, birth control pills, and some heart or migraine medications. Injuries, frostbite, and surgery can cause Raynaud's. Finally, Raynaud's disease may be job related: It has a higher-than-average frequency in pianists, typists, workers who hold vibrating machinery such as chain saws and drills and others whose jobs involve the hands.
Raynaud's disease can exist alone but often comes in conjunction migraine headaches, atherosclerosis, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or the blood-vessel disease scleroderma. When it accompanies another condition, the disorder goes by the name of Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's.
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Treatment and Prevention
Vasodilators (medications that relax the blood vessel walls) may work for people with secondary Raynaud's (related to another condition). They may also help people with the 40% to 60% of people whose primary Raynaud's hasn't responded to other approaches.
Once you become familiar with your Raynaud's patterns, you'll be able to avoid its triggers. For example:
In the winter, keep out the cold by wearing heavy socks and mittens, which hold in the warmth better than gloves.
Slip on gloves before reaching into the freezer at home or at the store.
Avoid taking decongestants; check out other medications you take with your doctor to make sure they don't trigger symptoms too.
Avoid nicotine and caffeine, which cause blood vessels to constrict.
In one study, researchers found low levels of selenium and vitamin C in the blood of women with Raynaud's disease. Vitamin C levels were particularly low in smokers. It's too soon, though, for researchers to make any recommendations about vitamin C intake as a treatment or preventive for Raynaud's disease.
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How Supplements Can Help
Raynaud's disease is often a chronic condition, so supplements do the most good when taken daily.
Vitamin E enhances blood flow. Vitamin E may potentiate the effect of anticoagulant drugs, so if you are taking any blood thinning medicine, check with your doctor before starting this nutrient.
Magnesium, known for its many benefits to the cardiovascular system, dilates the tightened blood vessels of Raynaud's disease. Magnesium is best taken with food. If diarrhea develops, cut the dose.
Inositol hexaniacinate is a relative of the B vitamin niacin that stimulates blood flow in the arms, fingers, legs, and toes. Though it improves circulation, this form of niacin does not cause the unwelcome flushing associated with regular niacin.
The herb ginkgo biloba is known for its ability to open the smallest blood vessels. Look for a version that is standardized to contain at least 24% flavone glycosides.
In one study, the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil improved Raynaud's symptoms when rubbed into the fingertips. You can use evening primrose oil by itself or in combination with other supplements. An acceptable substitute is the less-expensive borage oil, which also contains GLA.
Fish oil supplements may work if other supplements don't. In one small test, people taking fish oil were symptom-free for 15 minutes longer than those not taking it. If you have diabetes, speak with your doctor about the dosage. High doses can affect blood sugar levels for the worse.
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Self-Care Remedies
Biofeedback and relaxation exercises may help relieve symptoms.
Be especially careful to avoid injury to areas that are prone to Raynaud's disease.
Because fish oil has been shown to help, try to eat oily fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines) at least twice a week.
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When to Call a Doctor
If the skin becomes tight, shiny or smooth in affected areas
If tiny sores develop in affected areas
If you lose dexterity or become numb during an attack
If any Raynaud's symptoms become more frequent or severe
