They react by suddenly going into spasms and constricting, reducing the blood supply to the fingertips or, less often, the toes. This sensitivity may be an abnormal immune response. It is often the first sign of scleroderma . The symptom also appears in some cases of hardening of the arteries, hypertension that affects the lungs , and other circulatory problems. Drugs that affect small blood vessels can also produce the symptom, and it may also appear in people who work with machines that produce strong vibration.
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, so the disease or phenomenon can be worsened by smoking.
Symptoms you are likely to notice Your fingers or toes will become very pale when exposed to the cold . They may turn bluish and then become red. Symptoms your physician may observe A cold challenge test in which you dip your hands in cold water makes it possible for your physician to observe actual Raynaud's symptoms. Your physician may prescribe medication that will expand the arteries and improve your circulation. Infrequently surgery is performed in which the nerves controlling the arteries in the fingers are cut.