Do your fingers turn white, then black, and back to normal color, especially when it's cold?
Yes, this sounds like Raynaud's disease, which is common in people with lupus. Up to a third of people with lupus develop this condition.
When you have Raynaud's, cold temperatures or stress cause blood vessels in your fingers and Show Full Answer
Do your fingers turn white, then black, and back to normal color, especially when it's cold?
Yes, this sounds like Raynaud's disease, which is common in people with lupus. Up to a third of people with lupus develop this condition.
When you have Raynaud's, cold temperatures or stress cause blood vessels in your fingers and toes to constrict, reducing blood flow. This leads to color changes in your skin:
* First, your fingers may turn white or pale
* Then they might turn blue or appear darker
* Finally, they turn red as blood flow returns to normal
For people with darker skin, these color changes may not be as noticeable, but you'll still feel the coldness and numbness.
A MyLupusTeam member shared similar experiences: "My feet become really cold and get this purplish-red color, with burning and itching."
To help manage these symptoms, dress warmly, wear gloves in cold weather, and avoid sudden temperature changes. If your fingers start feeling numb or turning pale, warm them up gradually with gloves or warm (not hot) water.
If these symptoms are bothersome or happen frequently, talk with your doctor. They can confirm if it's Raynaud's and may recommend medications or other treatments to help manage it.
February 2