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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What is Raynauds and SLE?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Qualicum Beach, BC
June 22
 · 
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Thanks for your reply. Many years ago I used to operate heavy rock drills and chainsaws, which caused a lot of vibrations going through my hands. I've had problems with the cold, which causes me a lot of pain in my hands. I believe that this is also Raynaud's disease. My hands will often "lock", which can be very painful. I've also had problems with my feet, but this is because I fell off a roof and landed on my feet on concrete. I shattered several bones in my feet, and this has also caused me a lot of pain in my feet. I'm not sure if these symptoms are similar to Raynaud's disease. Since I asked you the questions about Raynaud's disease and SLE, I've been reading through your Resources, which have answered most of my questions. I appreciate your response.

June 23
MyLupusTeam

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where small blood vessels in the fingers and toes overreact to cold temperatures or stress, temporarily restricting blood flow. It affects up to a third of people with lupus (SLE).

In people with lupus, Raynaud's is believed to be linked to vasculitis — inflammation in blood vessels — Show Full Answer

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition where small blood vessels in the fingers and toes overreact to cold temperatures or stress, temporarily restricting blood flow. It affects up to a third of people with lupus (SLE).

In people with lupus, Raynaud's is believed to be linked to vasculitis — inflammation in blood vessels — caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. Common symptoms of Raynaud's include:

- Skin turning white, blue, red, or purple
- Coldness, numbness, or tingling in fingers and toes
- Pain or burning sensations
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers in serious cases

A MyLupusTeam member described it as: "My feet and hands change colors like red, purple, and white. They stay cold and will go numb." Managing Raynaud's often involves staying warm, avoiding cold triggers, and wearing gloves or mittens. For more severe cases, doctors may recommend medications like calcium channel blockers or alpha-blockers to help open blood vessels.

Always check with your doctor if you think you may have Raynaud's — they can help find the best approach for managing it alongside lupus.

June 22
A MyLupusTeam Member

Fantastic answer AI 👏🏾

June 23

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