Treating Raynaud phenomenon: Beyond staying warm

Raynaud phenomenon is an overactive vascular response to cold and emotional stress that results in cutaneous color changes and sensory symptoms in the digits. It can be idiopathic (primary) or secondary to another condition; the latter can be more severe and more apt to lead to ischemic complications such as digital ulceration and even loss of digits. If nonpharmacologic interventions prove inadequate, then vasodilator agents are used.