Diseases and Conditions

Raynaud's disease

Prevention

To help prevent Raynaud's attacks:

  • Bundle up outdoors. When it's cold, don a hat, scarf, socks and boots, and two layers of mittens or gloves before you go outside. Wear a coat with snug cuffs to go around your mittens or gloves, to prevent cold air from reaching your hands.

    Also use chemical hand warmers. Wear earmuffs and a face mask if the tip of your nose and your earlobes are sensitive to cold.

  • Warm your car. Run your car heater for a few minutes before driving in cold weather.
  • Take precautions indoors. Wear socks. When taking food out of the refrigerator or freezer, wear gloves, mittens or oven mitts. Some people find it helpful to wear mittens and socks to bed during winter.

    Because air conditioning can trigger attacks, set your air conditioner to a warmer temperature. Use insulated drinking glasses.