In a normal body the hands and feet are kept warmth by body through controlling the blood flow. But people those suffering Raynaud’s syndrome, when they are exposed to colder temperatures then there is an over-reaction in the hands and other extremities. The blood vessels in the hands tighten unusually and decreased blood flow in the fingers.
It could also happen due to a reaction to stress. The finger become white in an attack and on reducing the level of oxygen they turn blue. The sense of touch is also blunted and skin also appears swollen. When fingers got warmed the circulation is improved, then the affected areas turn red.
However, various numbers of medicines are used but no definite cure has been found. Along with other treatment Viagra, Prozac and Botox are being used. The antidepressant Prozac has shown to work and Botox that is more commonly linked to cosmetic measures like softening frown lines has been used effectively to fight the condition with one round of treatment.
The symptoms of the condition can vary from being mild to severe. In comparatively unusual cases, blood circulation to the fingers or toes can be affected permanently that can cause deformities. If blood supply gets blocked completely, sores or skin ulcers and gangrene may develop.
In a study plastic surgeons from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine examined the effects in patients suffering chronic pain and ulcerations. Sixteen out of nineteen patients reduced pain while thirteen had relived immediately and more than sixty three percent remained free of pain for more than year. It is believed Botox make the muscles around blood vessels more relaxed.
It is extremely effectual in controlling vascular spasms by relaxing the muscle that encircles arteries in the hand and fingers. When muscles get relaxed, the diameter of artery increases and more blood flow to the hand and fingers, explained Dr Ginard Henry, a plastic surgeon from Weiss Memorial Hospital.
He added that this procedure is quick and most patients see a significant improvement within three to five days. The effect can last up to three months.