Raynaud’s symptoms involve freezing hands or toes, extremities turning colors, pain when holding cold objects, and more. Most people, however, go through life thinking that these are normal reactions to cold or stress, and don’t think anything of it. They don’t realize that these are signals of a medical disorder with a name: Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Our theme for this year’s Raynaud’s Awareness Month promotes the fact that these often painful, sometimes colorful symptoms are not normal. Most people can reach into a freezer or hold a glass of cold soda without a reaction. Those with Raynaud’s know all too well how everyday tasks and actions can cause throbbing, swelling, tingling, numbness, and, for some, zombie-like fingers.
As part of this year’s campaign, we created the following infographic to help flag the signs of Raynaud’s:
While Raynaud’s affects 15 to 30 million sufferers, 90% of them don’t realize there’s a medical explanation for their discomfort. For some, these may also be the first signs of a more serious autoimmune disorder to which Raynaud’s can be secondary, so it’s important to seek medical advice. Doctors can also prescribe oral and topical medications clinically proven to help alleviate Raynaud’s symptoms.
We hope the message in this graphic will quickly communicate to people that freezing hands, blue fingers and other typical signs of Raynaud’s in response to cold or stress are not normal. Here’s the link to our press page promoting this year’s event: Color Changes in Extremities Usually Not Normal, Say Medical Experts.
For more information on Raynaud’s, download our free guide: The Cold Facts on Raynaud’s – and Strategies for a Warmer Life.
