Perniosis and Raynaud’s: Treatment for purple hands and feet
Do you suffer from fingers that change color in the cold, turning purple, pale or red, and feeling intense itching or pain when warming them? This discomfort, beyond aesthetics, may indicate an alteration in peripheral circulation that requires attention. At Viamed, we have teams of vascular pathology specialists ready to offer you an accurate diagnosis and relief. Thanks to the advice of Dr. Alicia Cabrera, dermatologist at ViaCare Medical Center for her advice in writing this article.
What are Perniosis (Chilblains) and Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
Perniosis (Chilblains) and Raynaud’s Phenomenon are two peripheral vascular disorders which, although related to cold, have different mechanisms.
- Perniosis (Chilblains): They appear as small swollen, red, or purplish lesionswhich cause itching, burning and swelling, mainly in the fingers and toes and even in the ears. They are an abnormal inflammatory reaction due to the damage that vasoconstriction causes to our skin due to repeated exposure to humid cold.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (RF): It’s a transient episode of intense vasoconstriction (closing of small arteries), caused by cold or emotional stress. It is characterized by a sequence of three color phases: pallor (ischemia), cyanosis (blue/purple) and, finally, flushing (red) when blood flow is restored, often accompanied by pain.
Symptoms and Warning Signs: Purple Hands and Feet
Paying attention to symptoms is key to early diagnosis. Both disorders affect the microcirculation and they share extreme sensitivity to low temperatures. The most common signs we see in our patients include:
- Sudden color changes: In Raynaud, the sequence white-blue-red It is the most characteristic warning sign in fingers (acros).
- Pain and Burning: Burning sensation or very intense itching when going from cold to heat.
- Swelling and Itching (Perniosis): Appearance of red nodules or plaques, especially in areas of the skin exposed to cold, such as the ears, fingers or heels.
- Numbness: Tingling sensation or loss of sensation in the extremities during episodes.
- Ulcers or Injuries: In advanced cases of Raynaud’s, prolonged lack of irrigation can lead to the appearance of small ulcers on the tips of the fingerswhich require urgent attention.
Causes and Risk Factors of Vascular Infection due to Cold
The main triggering factor in both cases is exposure to cold and humiditydirectly affecting the regulation of microcirculation. However, the root causes vary.
He Raynaud’s phenomenon could be:
- Primary (Raynaud’s Disease): It is the most common and mild form, without underlying disease.
- Secondary (Raynaud’s Syndrome): It is more serious and associated with autoimmune diseases or connective tissue, such as Lupus or Scleroderma. At Viamed, our specialists carry out a screening exhaustive to rule out these pathologies.
Other common risk factors:
- Sex and Age: It is more common in young women (Raynaud) and in exposed children and elderly (Perniosis).
- Taking Medications: Certain drugs (beta blockers, chemotherapy) can induce similar symptoms.
- Smoking: He tobacco is a vasoconstrictor powerful that aggravates both conditions.
Treatment at Viamed: Specialized Units in Vascular Pathology
Treatment focuses on prevention, pharmacological control of vasoconstriction, and addressing the underlying disease if Raynaud’s is secondary.
Our approach at Viamed is multidisciplinary, uniting the Angiology and Vascular Surgery with the unit Rheumatologywhich assumes the leadership of the case when the complexity of the underlying pathology requires it in Raynoud cases.
By going to our hospitals, you will benefit from a high precision diagnosis to differentiate if it is primary, secondary Raynaud’s or Perniosis. We use cutting-edge technology in non-invasive tests such as:
- Capillaroscopy: A thorough analysis of the capillaries of the nail fold to differentiate primary Raynaud’s from secondary (associated with rheumatological diseases).
- Vascular Doppler: To evaluate blood flow and severity of occlusion.
Specific Therapeutic Approach:
- Prevention Measures (The Base): Our specialists emphasize the protection against the cold (use of gloves, hats, thermal clothing) and avoid sudden changes in temperature.
- Pharmacological Treatment: In moderate or severe cases, our angiologists may prescribe vasodilators (such as calcium channel blockers) to relax artery walls and reduce the frequency and intensity of ischemic attacks.
- Treatment of Complications: If ulcers or wounds appear, we apply advanced treatments for healingpreventing infections and promoting healing.
At Viamed, we offer the guarantee of exhaustive monitoring to monitor the evolution of your vascular pathology and ensure that your quality of life is not affected by the cold.
Dealing with the pain and worry caused by purple hands and feet due to the cold is a discomfort that we can help you manage. At Viamed Salud, we offer you the humane treatment and advanced technology for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Don’t let the cold limit your daily life. If you suspect Perniosis or Raynaud’s Phenomenon, our specialists are available for you.
Make your appointment online today to evaluate your peripheral circulation and find the relief you need.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perniosis and Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Can chilblains be prevented?
Yes. Prevention is essential and consists of protecting the extremities from cold and humidity, wearing appropriate warm clothing and avoiding smoking, since nicotine significantly worsens peripheral circulation.
Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon always serious?
No. Most cases are primary Raynaud’s, which is benign and manageable. However, if it is secondary, it may indicate the presence of a more serious autoimmune disease that requires an accurate diagnosis in a specialized center such as Viamed.
When should I go to the specialist?
You should make an appointment if Raynaud’s episodes are very frequent, painful, limit your daily activities, or if you notice lesions, wounds or ulcers on the tips of your fingers to avoid major complications.
