The condition is one form of Raynaud's Disease which affects one in 10 women, usually with mild symptoms.
Women are nine times more likely to suffer from the disease as men.
Raynaud's is caused by a restriction in the blood supply to the extremities, usually the fingers and toes. It can also affect the ears and nose. The parts initially turn white and dead-looking and then become inflamed. An attack may be accompanied by significant pain, numbness or a tingling sensation. This is due to an intermittent lack of blood supply to the fingers.