For many, winter is a season like any other. However for others, winter marks the dawn of the recurrent Raynaud’s disease. Victims who fall prey to this condition suffer from adiscoloration of the fingers and toes. This is a response by the blood vessels that constrict when one is exposed to extreme conditions of cold temperatures or emotional distress. Besides turning to a bluish color, the affected areas feel numb and cold. It has been discovered that women especially those between the ages of 15 and 40 are more vulnerable to this disease than men. People residing in cold regions are also more likely to suffer from it. What causes Raynaud’s disease? A mild and more common type of this disease is the Primary Raynaud’s. Though there’s no concrete evidence, this kind is genetically inherited. It can also be the outcome of malfunctioning of the brain’s nervous system. Secondary Raynaud’s arises from other health conditions,specifically: Disorders that attack blood tissues, the autoimmune conditions. Such are scleroderma and lupus. Hepatitis B and C infections, Some forms of cancer like leukemia, Negative effects of some medications like chemotherapy medications and birth control pills. Nicotine present in cigarettes also causes the body temperature to drop. Occasionally, Raynaud’s disease is the outcome of repetitive activities such as playing a keyboard. Moreover, the use of vibrating tools like chainsaws makes you more susceptible to acquiring the disease. Is Raynaud’s syndrome curable? Raynaud’s disease has no cure though there are certain forms of treatment that reduce the frequency of its attacks i.e. Habitual treatment Refrain from stressing issues Shun smoking Exercise regularly Avoid drugs that can trigger the syndrome. Keeping warm is the finest treatment of Raynaud’s disease. Always keep warm to prevent your body temperature from drastically falling. Keep your feet and hands covered with the aid of gloves, shoes and socks. Carry heated gloves when visiting cold environments. Medical treatment Nifedipine is a drug that opens up the tiny blood tissues allowing more blood to flow through. Consequently, the blood vessels receive sufficient oxygen and remain healthy. You can take this tablet on a daily basis to shun the symptoms. With severe cases, you may undergo a surgery to bar nerves found in the hands and feet from controlling the arteries. This is only necessary if other forms of treatment fail to work.