Unless it's a very severe case that's not likely, for most people it's just uncomfortable. Raynaud's does make you more vulnerable to frostbite though.
The only time I would worry about it for myself is if I’m out in the cold without any protection, and I have to stay out there for a bit. Otherwise, it usually passes before any serious damage can be done. I think you are an awesome friend for caring so much!
Sounds like a different issue. There is one that arms go numb if hands held above head for a minute. That was can be helped with the right exercise. (But see a doctor for diagnosis if it bothers you.)
I actually have this too! For me, it usually happens when my extremities get too cold, and it can take me a bit to even notice it's happening. It usually happens predominantly in my big toes for some reason.
For me it just feels like like it's gone completely numb, and I lose all feeling in the digit. I usually break out the heating pad and try to warm it back up until I can feel it again.
I have this happen sometimes when it gets cold out. My fingers may turn this shade or just bluish purple. Warming them, rubbing them, etc seems to bring them back.
Primary or secondary? Mine is most likely secondary to lung disease but I also have a family history of primary Raynaud's. Got any good glove recommendations?
Primary. And my best glove recommendation is… a mitten! When the fingers are kept together in one chamber, they are warmer. And if one or two go “rogue” the other ones can warm them up. But of course you lose dexterity with mittens.
I lose dexterity anyway and get pain as arthritis like symptoms. That's why it's probably secondary despite the family history and it starting in my teens. Mittens are a good idea, thanks. I usually wear isotoner driving gloves under heavier gloves while outside in winter. That way I can take the heavier gloves off when the heater starts warming up the car.
My hands and feet are nearly always cold. Maui, sunny day sitting on the beach, cold feet. My hands never look quite as radical as yours, but the dermatologist says it's Raynaud. When I have to handle frozen food or whatever it literally hurts in my chest. Kind of a lot. Do you get that too? ... Weird how I sometimes forget to ask the internet about this stuff but I just googled and apparently chest pain isn't uncommon.
Chest hurting sounds bad. Not a Dr but have Reynaud's exacerbated by ADHD meds and haven't experienced chest pain. Are you sure it directly follows handling frozen food etc? Could be related or coincidental - so many things can cause chest pain, from harmless but temporarily hurty intercostal pain all the way to cardiac arrest. Other details (weight, age, genetic history, other medications/treatments, smoking/drinking/substance status) also matter so it's worth bringing up with your doctor, unless you're in America in which case just ask ChatGPT.
It does hurt, starts out as a numbness and then there is a some mild pain. And then pins and needles when the blood comes back. I can still use them but it doesn't feel the best. The biggest risk I'm aware of is frostbite if I am out in the cold. I like to have gloves or mittens with me at all times when it's cold out.
I stopped drinking a while ago, so I can't answer that accurately. but check out what I found:
An extensive body of data shows concordant J-shaped associations between alcohol intake and a variety of adverse health outcomes, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and all-cause mortality. Light to moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink daily for women and 1 or 2 drinks daily for men) is associated with cardioprotective benefits, whereas increasingly excessive consumption results in proportional worsening of outcomes.
So it sounds like 1 daily drink for me might improve the condition but more alcohol will worsen it.