Beware of sudden blue-purple color changes in hands and feet

Stating that Raynaud's phenomenon, which occurs due to temperature changes and stress, is seen in 3-5 percent of the population, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “The most important symptom of Raynaud's syndrome (RS) is the blue-purple color change that occurs in the fingertips of the hands and/or feet, sometimes when exposed to cold and sometimes accompanied by stress.

The disease occurs as a result of narrowing in the blood vessels. Normally, blood vessels going to the skin narrow in cold weather to reduce heat loss.

However, in Raynaud's disease, this process is prolonged. After a while, due to impaired blood flow, the oxygen level in the vessels drops and a blue-purple color change occurs in the skin. Following this blue-purple color change, a dilation occurs in the vessels. Then, the fingertips return to a pink-red color," he said.

"IT MOST FREQUENTLY APPEARS IN YOUNG WOMEN"

Emphasizing that Raynaud's disease can sometimes occur on its own and may not be accompanied by any underlying disease, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu highlighted that this is called primary RS (PRS).

Expressing that Raynaud's disease can also appear as a precursor to another disease or during the course of a disease, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu stated that this is called secondary RS (SRS).

Pointing out that Raynaud's disease is most frequently seen in young women, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “PRS also has a genetic aspect. Relatives of those with PRS may also have similar symptoms. The response to treatment in PRS is generally good and does not lead to a significant problem,” he spoke.

CAN BE SEEN WITH RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Stating that secondary Raynaud's syndrome (SRS) can often occur during the course of inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), SLE, Sjögren's syndrome, anti-phospholipid syndrome, poly-dermatomyositis, and rheumatoid arthritis, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu said, “Apart from this, SRS can also accompany diseases of other systems originating from the body's defense system.

In some patients, the earlobe, nose, face, knees, and nipples can also be affected. Rarely, RS can also be seen in the entire arm and leg. In addition to color change in the fingers, there may be tingling, numbness, and pain. If the narrowing period of the vessels lasts a long time, it can be dangerous for the tissues. Due to impaired blood flow, sores may develop on the fingertips,” he said.

Stating that the diagnosis of Raynaud's syndrome is made with the patient's typical complaints (blue-purple color change in fingers developing with cold and stress, coldness, pain) and the patient's examination, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu underlined that different imaging methods can be used in suspected cases and other causes that lead to similar complaints should be excluded.

"THEY SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM CIGARETTES AND COLD"

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu gave the following recommendations regarding what a patient diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome should pay attention to in their life:

“Patients should protect their bodies from the cold and choose their clothing accordingly. They should definitely wear gloves and wool socks in cold weather. They should stay away from cigarettes. Nicotine and similar chemicals in cigarettes cause the vessels to narrow, worsening Raynaud's disease. Drugs that cause vessel narrowing can also have negative effects. Therefore, treatment choices should be made accordingly. For example, some cold-flu medications, migraine medications, and some drugs used in psychiatry can lead to vessel narrowing. It should not be forgotten that stress also has a vessel-narrowing effect.”

WHETHER THERE IS AN UNDERLYING DISEASE IS IMPORTANT IN TREATMENT

Stating that whether the symptom is primary or secondary (accompanied by another disease) is important in the drug treatment of RS, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu concluded his remarks by saying, “The treatment plan is made by evaluating whether there is another underlying disease. In SRS, the treatment of the accompanying disease is prioritized. In addition, other vasodilator treatments are evaluated according to the patient's condition. Furthermore, if the patient is using other medications, their effects on RS are evaluated and adjustments are made accordingly if necessary.”