raynaud's

“Causes

Experts don't fully understand the cause of Raynaud's attacks. But blood vessels in the hands and feet appear to react too strongly to cold temperatures or stress.

With Raynaud's, arteries to the fingers and toes narrow when exposed to cold or stress. The narrowed arteries limit blood flow. Over time, these small arteries can thicken slightly and limit blood flow even more.”

Cold temperatures are the most likely cause of an attack. Examples are putting hands in cold water, taking something from a freezer or being in cold air. For some people, emotional stress can trigger an episode.

Today a customer called and asked about mittens since he has Raynaud’s as does his brother. I didn’t think about it but I am sure two siblings having Raynaud’s is unusual.

He or they live in Wisconsin where winters are cold, so mitten are necessary, not gloves. I recommended he get the Super mittens. The Super mittens have a high gauntlet that is insulated. I told him having the insulation in the gauntlet would keep blood flow down his are would keep his blood to his fingers warmer. I also recommended he wear a fishnet top since it will keep his torso warmer meaning blood flow into the arms is warmer.

Having given him this information I them decided to look up Raynaud’s disease. I reprinted the two paragraphs to open the article from what the Mayo Clinic publishes.

It is obvious to me once you learn that you have Raynaud’s disease it is imperative that you then take measures to best insure against these episodes from recurring as best as possible.

We know that cold weather is a cause so dressing properly is mandatory. Wearing fishnets as a first layer is necessary. It allows the torso to work best and let’s not forget the toes. Therefore, wearing fishnet bottoms is the start to help the toes. What you wear over the fishnets is important because it has to be loose fitting, and not fleece.

I have already mentioned the hand wear, except if necessary to need dexterity care a lined leather glove to put on to do what ever and then back on with the mittens, no liners. You never want to separate your fingers, because they help each other stay warm

For the legs should wear our leg jackets and, on your feet, Lamilite socks in your boots. Then the over boots.

Having read up on Raynaud’s it is important for those who suffer with it that they take the necessary steps as I have described to keep from these small arteries from thickening and ultimately causing later problems in life.