conservative measures in Raynaud's disease/phenomenon
Last reviewed 05/2021
Main aim of conservative measures is to reduce exposure to triggers, such as cold and emotional stress:
- keeping warm:
- thermal underwear, body warmers, hand muffs, ski-glove liners, fur-lined boots, electrically-heated gloves and socks
- in addition, vasodialtion can be enhanced by
- rotating the arms in a windmill pattern
- placing the hands under warm water or in a warm body fold such as the axilla
- performing the swing-arm manoeuvre - raising both arms above the shoulders and forcefully swinging them across the body to generate a force that promotes blood flow distally to the fingers
- avoid carrying bags from handles since they impair circulation to the fingers
- stopping smoking, avoid caffeine containing beverages
- withdrawal of aggravating drugs, such as beta-blockers
- change of occupation
- avoid touching cold objects (1,2)
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