I’ve lost count of the number of close-ups of people’s fingers that have popped up in my Instagram stories in the past year or so. They’re not sporting diamond rings or new nail art. Instead, these pics are of painful-looking and oddly coloured fingers, which often tend to be accompanied by pleas for information on what could be behind these strange symptoms.

I recently responded to one such post (while emphasising my lack of medical expertise) with a suggestion to look into Raynaud’s – a condition that presents these exact symptoms. “I googled and it seems quite harmless – just freaky looking,” they replied, in reference to the ombre-ish effect that commonly appears on sufferers’ skin.

Although it’s not widely discussed, Raynaud’s is a really common condition that affects up to 10 million people in the UK and 20% of people worldwide. It can also be debilitating for sufferers. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

“Raynaud’s is a condition which affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body, mainly fingers and toes,” explains Dr Hayley Leeman, consultant dermatologist at Superdrug Online Doctor. In some cases, it also interferes with blood flow to the nose, ears, knees, nipples or toes.

“Raynaud’s is caused by the narrowing of the small vessels which supply blood to the skin,” she says. It’s very normal for blood vessels to narrow when we’re exposed to cold temperatures, for example, which along with stress and anxiety is one of the main triggers. However, in people with Raynaud’s, the narrowing is more extreme – it blocks the flow of blood and causes skin to change colour. 

It’s a condition that’s more prevalent in women than men, and those who live in colder climates are more affected, according to Dr Leeman. Interestingly, symptoms tend to become apparent in your 20s and 30s, which explains the influx of finger snaps on my Insta stories.

There are two types of Raynaud’s: primary and secondary. Primary is the most common and is essentially where the condition develops by itself. Secondary is less common and is caused by another health condition.

“Raynaud’s causes fingers and toes to become cold, numb or painful,” says Dr Leeman. You may also experience a pins and needles sensation. “Raynaud’s causes fingers and toes to change colour: lighter or white, which is caused by blood flow restriction; blue as the blood vessels react; and red as the circulation improves and the blood flow begins returning,” she says.

In some cases, pain and numbness can make it difficult to use your hands. Symptoms can last from a few minutes to hours. Note also that pain can increase when you do, eventually, get warm and can even make it harder to use your fingers, so try to avoid going straight for the warm water in an attempt to ease symptoms.

Generally speaking, there aren’t serious risks associated with Raynaud’s, but it’s still worth getting a diagnosis. “Raynaud’s can be associated with other autoimmune conditions, so if you’re experiencing these symptoms it’s worth seeing your doctor for screening assessment and blood tests,” Dr Leeman advises. One in 10 people with primary Raynaud’s develop a condition associated with secondary Raynauds, such as lupus, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms.

Secondary Raynaud’s can present a higher risk of complications, including ulcers, scarring and, in very rare cases, tissue death (gangrene). 

In many cases, Raynaud’s symptoms can be treated by steering clear of cold climes, when possible, and managing stress levels. Gloves and hand warmers can help to prevent the onset of symptoms during the winter.

Dr Leeman also recommends exercising regularly to help improve circulation and maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet. “Practising mindful exercise such as yoga is great for improving breathing and destressing,” she adds.

Quitting smoking can help with symptom management as it impacts circulation, and if necessary, your GP may prescribe nifedipine.

Otherwise, it’s about keeping those extremities as warm as possible and allowing yourself time to warm back up gradually. 

Images: Getty