This is an uncommon condition caused by nervous spasm in the small arteries, especially of the fingers, resulting in their going cold, white, and often numb. It most often affects young women.

What are the symptoms of Raynaud's?

Icy cold feet, hands, toes, fingers, less commonly nose and ears, sometimes with pain and numbness. Skin color changes of white/blue/red as peripheral blood flow is reduced by the spasmodic contraction of the muscles in the blood vessel walls (the digits are usually affected), tissues become starved of oxygen (cyanosis), and blood flow returns (rubor).

Treatment

Keep affected parts well-covered in cold weather and avoid drinking coffee and smoking since both constrict blood vessels.

Diet And Nutrition Eat iron-rich food and cut out tea, which inhibits iron absorption.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Cinnamon twigs and angelica are recommended.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Homeopathy Arsenicum alb. 6c, Pulsatilla 6c, and Carbo veg. 6c can be helpful.

Chilblains

Chilblains are caused by exposure of extremities such as fingers, ears, nose, and, especially, feet and toes to cold and damp, causing the skin to become tender, painful, and intensely itchy. People with sensitive skin or poor circulation are most vulnerable, especially those who smoke (nicotine reduces circulation in the skin).

Treatment

Treatment involves symptomatic relief using herbal medicines such as Chilli & Comfrey Cream and Ginger to promote peripheral blood flow. Supplementary Rutin along with Bilberry and Horse Chestnut are all excellent long-term treatments vital to improve the condition of the blood vessel walls and thus the efficiency of the circulation generally.

Herbal Medicine Rub in calendula (marigold) ointment if the skin is broken.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs said to help are cinnamon twigs, red sage, ginger, and angelica.

Naruropathy Stimulate circulation by putting affected feet or hands first into warm water for half a minute and then into cold water. Repeat for about 15 minutes. Spread a paste of honey and glycerin mixed with egg white and flour on the affected part, bandage, and leave for 24 hours.

Diet and Nutrition Take extra vitamin C, E, and B complex, and also increase your calcium intake.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Homeopathy Tamus 6c ointment, Rhus tox. 6c, Agaricus 6c, Petroleum 6c, and Carbo veg. 6c may be recommended.