Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK)

Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK) is observed in February

Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK) takes place each February in the United Kingdom. In the United States, Raynaud’s Awareness Month takes place in October. We feature both observances, since Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK) started prior to the awareness campaign in the United States. We have designed a special pin for Raynaud’s, which represents the pain of living with the disease. The colors are purple, red, and white to symbolize the effect of Raynaud’s on those affected by the disease.

Raise Awareness During Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK)

When and if you see Raynaud’s symptoms, please pay attention. If you have Raynaud’s, it might be a sign, often the first sign, that a serious autoimmune disease like scleroderma or lupus is the culprit.

Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK) recognizes Raynaud’s Disease or Raynaud’s Phenomenon. February is also a time to promote the need for a cure, and to spur advocacy on behalf of those suffering from Raynaud’s Disease. Although it’s been over one hundred years since Raynaud’s was recognized, little is still known about the condition, its cause, or cure. The Raynaud’s Association seeks to raise awareness and understanding of this perplexing phenomenon. The awareness pin that represents Raynaud’s symptoms is purple, red, and white.

Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK) Education

Up to 10 million people in the UK have a form of Raynaud’s. Yet research shows that nearly half of UK adults don’t know any of the signs of Raynaud’s disease. That’s why it’s so important to continue to raise awareness.

If your fingertips, toes or any other extremity become painful when exposed to cold temperatures, you might be suffering from Raynaud’s phenomenon. If holding an iced drink, or putting your hands in the freezer, causes your fingers to turn blue (or white), you could be one of an estimated 15 to 30 million people in the U.S. who have Raynaud’s phenomenon. Or, if air conditioning often triggers your fingers or toes to hurt, you might be experiencing a Raynaud’s spasm.

Raynaud’s – An Interruption of Blood Flow

Raynaud’s Awareness Month (UK) educates the public that Raynaud’s Disease or Raynaud’s Phenomenon is an interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose, and/or ears when a spasm occurs in the blood vessels of these areas. Exposure to cold or emotional stress causes spasms. Typically, the affected area turns white, then blue, then bright red over the course of the attack. There may be associated tingling, swelling, or painful throbbing. The attacks may last from minutes to hours. In severe cases, the area may develop ulcerations and infections, which can lead to gangrene. Raynaud’s can occur as a “primary” disease, that is, with no associated disorder. It can also occur as a “secondary” condition related to other diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have Raynaud’s, do all you can to avoid cold environments, touching cold items or spending time in areas where temperatures fluctuate. Even a slight change in temperature can cause an attack.

Here’s what you can do to keep warm:

• Wear warm clothes in cold temperatures.
• Wear lots of thin layers and loose clothing in order to remain as warm as possible.
• Use hand warmers, feet warmers, gloves and thick socks to keep cold fingers and toes comfortable on chilly days.

(Image: Adobe Stock)