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Raynaud's Treatment

Raynaud's treatment can help reduce the number and severity of attacks and prevent tissue damage in the extremities. Most doctors recommend non-drug treatments and self-help measures first. However, doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, usually those with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's treatment is not always successful, and women who are pregnant may not be able to take medications to treat the disease.

 

Raynaud's Treatment: An Introduction

At this point, there is no cure for Raynaud's phenomenon. Therefore, the goals of Raynaud's treatment are to reduce the number and severity of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes.
 
Most doctors are conservative with Raynaud's treatment recommendations; that is, they recommend non-drug treatments and self-help measures first. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, usually those with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, as part of Raynaud's treatment, patients are treated for any underlying disease or condition that may cause secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
 

Self-Help Options for Raynaud's Treatment

Several non-drug treatments and self-help measures can help decrease the severity of Raynaud's attacks and promote overall well-being. Self-help measures that can be used for Raynaud's treatment include:
 
  • Taking action during an attack
  • Keeping warm
  • Not smoking
  • Controlling stress
  • Exercising regularly
  • Seeing a doctor if questions or concerns arise.
     
(Click Raynaud's Self-Help Strategies for more information on treatment methods that do not require medication.)
 
(Raynaud's Treatment Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD