Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body – usually the fingers and toes.

It’s often referred to as Raynaud’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disease or just Raynaud’s.

Raynaud’s is usually triggered by cold temperatures, anxiety or stress. The condition occurs because your blood vessels go into a temporary spasm, which blocks the flow of blood.

This causes the affected area to change colour to white, then blue, then red, as the bloodflow returns.

There are 2 types of Raynaud’s:

• Primary – when the condition develops by itself (this is the most common type)
• Secondary – when it’s caused by another health condition

Most cases of secondary Raynaud’s are associated with conditions that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue (autoimmune conditions), such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.