Raynaud Phenomenon
Also known as: Raynaud's, Raynaud phenomenon, Raynaud disease, cold hands and feet, white fingers
Raynaud phenomenon causes fingers (and sometimes toes) to turn white, then blue, then red in response to cold or stress. Primary Raynaud's is common and benign; secondary Raynaud's can signal autoimmune disease and needs investigation. Chinese medicine treats it as Cold in the channels with Blood stasis or Yang deficiency patterns.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Keep your whole body warm — a warm core keeps hand and foot vessels open.
- •Put gloves on before going outside, and use hand warmers in winter.
- •Quit smoking — nicotine is a powerful vasoconstrictor.
- •Review medicines with the GP: some (beta-blockers, some migraine drugs) worsen Raynaud's.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •New-onset Raynaud's after 30, or with other symptoms, needs autoimmune screening before ongoing treatment.[,]
- •Finger ulcers or blackened areas are vascular emergencies.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Review each winter. Track episode frequency, triggers and any skin changes. Confirm autoimmune screening done for late-onset or atypical presentations.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- Arthritis Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.