For 95% of people diagnosed with scleroderma, Raynaud’s phenomenon is reported as the first symptom. While Raynaud’s alone is not a definitive indicator, its presence alongside other scleroderma symptoms should prompt further medical evaluation, as it significantly increases the likelihood of a diagnosis.
During an attack of Raynaud’s, your body limits blood flow to the hands and feet. This makes your fingers and toes feel cold and numb. It may also cause your fingers to turn white or blue. Once blood flow to the fingers and toes returns, they may turn red, tingle, throb, or swell and begin to hurt. An attack usually lasts a few minutes. For some people, it may last more than an hour.
This month is Raynaud’s Awareness Month—help spread the word! Recognizing Raynaud’s early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes for those living with scleroderma.
