RAYNAUD'S SYNDROME, white finger

In Raynaud's Syndrome, blood vessels in the fingers are damaged and do not work normally. Poor circulation of blood can damage soft tissues in the hand.

At first only the finger tips are affected. In severe cases the whole finger becomes "white" and all the fingers are affected. Very severe cases can result in finger loss. The thumb is usually not affected. Not much can be done to reverse the condition so it is best treated by prevention.

This condition is also known as acrocyanosis.

symptoms:

• loss of feeling and control in fingers
• tingling then numbness
• skin turns pale and cold
• "attacks" can be brought on by cold or hard work that can last for minutes or hours
• pain and sometimes redness when blood flow returns to fingers