RA Q&A articles share our responses to inquiries about Raynaud’s symptoms, products, treatments, doctors, warming strategies, and more. We hope the information in this Spring 2026 RA Q&A column proves helpful to fellow Frosties.
Q: Is it possible to have Raynaud’s and not have white fingers? I have been investigated by a rheumatologist in Scotland for limited scleroderma (CREST syndrome). I have a positive ANA and am Centromere-positive. When it is cold, my fingers become very sore and look mottled or “dirty grayish.” I have to be careful when using my freezer because the pain is excruciating.
This rheumatologist said because my fingers don’t turn pure white, I don’t have Raynaud’s, and therefore I don’t have limited scleroderma. I also have digestive issues. I felt dismissed by him and received no follow-up. What is your opinion on “white fingers” as a requirement for a Raynaud’s diagnosis?
A. Because there is no formal test to diagnose Raynaud’s, it can be difficult to obtain a diagnosis, and it is common for doctors to miss or misdiagnose the disorder.
To answer your question: The “textbook” color changes are white (as blood flows out of the extremities), blue (from lack of oxygen during an attack), and finally red (as the patient warms up or gets calm and blood rushes back in). This sequence can occur in any extremity, including ears, lips, nose, and even breasts.
However, not all patients experience these textbook changes. Some never progress past white; others go straight to blue or a grayish-black; and some never see the red “flush” phase. The physical sensation is also unique to the individual—ranging from numbness and tingling to throbbing or burning pain. Given all of the above, it can be very challenging to be properly diagnosed.
It is absolutely possible to have Raynaud’s where the fingers go straight to a grayish color if the event is triggered by exposure to cold temperatures or stress. Given your positive ANA and Centromere antibodies, it is much more likely that you are experiencing secondary Raynaud’s, which is associated with underlying conditions like scleroderma. Since over 90% of scleroderma patients suffer from Raynaud’s (often as the first sign), and the condition can also involve digestive issues, your symptoms warrant a closer look.
We strongly advise consulting with a different rheumatologist. If a doctor only accepts textbook symptoms, they may they have more to learn about the condition and how Raynaud’s manifests in the real world.
Hope the above information is helpful. Here’s an article that goes into more detail on the challenges of being properly diagnosed: Why Is Raynaud’s Missed or Misdiagnosed?
Q. Hi, my Wife has developed this over the last eight weeks Do you know where we can turn for help? Thanks so much.
A. You’re a good husband to be researching assistance for your wife! While we aren’t medical professionals, the first step should be a consultation with a rheumatologist. These specialists are the most knowledgeable about Raynaud’s, as they treat the autoimmune disorders often associated with it.
A rheumatologist will run bloodwork to determine if your wife has primary Raynaud’s (no underlying medical disorder) or secondary Raynaud’s. Only about 10% of cases fall into the more severe secondary category, but testing is important to establish a benchmark for her health and tracking results over time, as some disorders can take a few years to surface.
If your wife’s fingers, toes or other extremities change color during an attack, take clear photos to show the doctor during the consultation. This visual evidence is often more helpful than a verbal description.
We have a lots of resources available on our website you both may find helpful, including:
Frequently Asked Questions
Raynaud’s Guide: Cold Facts on Raynaud’s
Treatment Options for Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Best Gloves (or Mittens) for Raynaud’s Sufferers
Best Warm Toe Solutions for Raynaud’s Sufferers
Product Showcase
You are also welcome to call us at 800-280-8055 or email specific questions to info@raynauds.org. We’ll do our best to help!
We’d appreciate your feedback on our Spring 2026 RA Q&A column. Have questions for us? We’re not medical professionals or the Good Housekeeping Lab when it comes to testing products, but we’ll do our best to provide fellow Frosties with answers. Write to us at info@raynauds.org.
