Cardiovascular
Medicines for Raynaud's phenomenon
A common condition where small blood vessels in the fingers and toes over-narrow in cold or stress, turning them white then blue and painful — usually managed with self-care and, if needed, medicines.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Raynaud's phenomenon?
Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggerated narrowing of the small blood vessels supplying the fingers and toes (and sometimes the ears or nose) in response to cold or emotional stress. Affected areas typically turn white, then blue, then red as blood flow returns, often with numbness, tingling or pain.
- How it is treated: For most people, self-care is enough: keeping warm, wearing gloves, avoiding sudden cold, and stopping smoking (which worsens circulation).
- Self-care: Keeping the whole body warm (not just the hands), using gloves and hand warmers, avoiding rapid temperature changes, managing stress, and not smoking all reduce attacks.
- When to seek help: See a GP if attacks are frequent or severe, if they start later in life, or if you develop skin sores or ulcers on the fingers or toes, as these may point to an underlying condition.
What it is
Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggerated narrowing of the small blood vessels supplying the fingers and toes (and sometimes the ears or nose) in response to cold or emotional stress. Affected areas typically turn white, then blue, then red as blood flow returns, often with numbness, tingling or pain. Most cases are "primary" Raynaud's — common, harmless and not linked to another disease. Less often it is "secondary", associated with conditions such as lupus or scleroderma, so new or severe symptoms — especially with skin ulcers or in older adults — are assessed for an underlying cause.
How it is treated
For most people, self-care is enough: keeping warm, wearing gloves, avoiding sudden cold, and stopping smoking (which worsens circulation). When attacks are frequent or severe, medicines that relax and widen blood vessels can help reduce them. Where Raynaud's is secondary to another condition, treating that condition is important, and severe cases with skin damage need specialist care. The aim is to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and protect the skin.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Raynaud's phenomenon
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Keeping the whole body warm (not just the hands), using gloves and hand warmers, avoiding rapid temperature changes, managing stress, and not smoking all reduce attacks. Regular exercise helps circulation.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if attacks are frequent or severe, if they start later in life, or if you develop skin sores or ulcers on the fingers or toes, as these may point to an underlying condition.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Raynaud's phenomenon: frequently asked questions
Is Raynaud's serious?
Most cases (primary Raynaud's) are harmless and managed with keeping warm. Occasionally it is linked to another condition (secondary Raynaud's), which is why new, severe or one-sided symptoms are assessed.
What triggers a Raynaud's attack?
Cold temperatures and emotional stress are the usual triggers, causing the small vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow sharply.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Raynaud's phenomenon
- NHS — Raynaud's
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