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Raynaud's Photos (MAIN MENU)
Raynaud's 1: Alexandra
Raynaud's 2: Joyce
Raynaud's 3: Judith
Raynaud's 4: Shelly

Raynaud's Blue Fingers Photo

Author: Shelley Ensz. Scleroderma is highly variable. See Types of Scleroderma. Read Disclaimer
Image of Raynauds in Hand, showing blue color changes
Raynaud's in Hand, Showing Blue Color Changes
ISN Photo Repository, Contributed by Shelly S.

This picture is of a Raynaud's attack in a systemic scleroderma patient. Note the blueness of the fingers. Raynaud's can cause fingers to turn stark white or dusky blue during an attack, and redness sometimes occurs upon rewarming.

Raynaud's causes spasms of the blood vessels, which can shut down circulation to the affected areas, usually for a few minutes at a time. The temporary lack of blood flow to the area causes distinct color changes, often a stark, waxy white as above; sometimes a dusky blue ; and as the circulation returns, the areas sometimes turn a bright pink or red. (Also see What is Raynaud's?)

Severe cases of systemic scleroderma and Raynaud's (as well as other illnesses) may cause a total lack of blood supply to the extremities. When this happens, necrosis (death of tissue) and gangrene may set in, sometimes making it necessary to have the affected part(s) amputated.

Raynaud's and gangrene sets in more frequently among scleroderma patients who smoke or use caffeine, because such substances further constrict blood vessels. (Also see Raynaud's Prevention)

Related Links

Digital Ulcers ISN Photo Repository: Digital (Finger) Ulcers ISN.

GangreneISN Photo Repository: Gangrene in Fingertips (Enlarged). ISN.

Raynaud's Attack, Blue Fingers, by ISN Photo RepositoryISN Photo Repository: Raynaud's (Alexandra M.) ISN.

ISN Photo Repository: Raynauds (Joyce) ISN.

ISN Photo Repository: Raynauds (Judith). ISN.

Raynaud's in Fingertips by ISN Photo RepositoryISN Photo Repository: Raynaud's (Shelly S). ISN.

Gangrene and Amputations. ISN.

ISN Photo Repository (Main Page). ISN.

ISN Photo Repository: Finger Ulcers. ISN.

What is Raynaud's? ISN.

Raynaud's: Treatments: Severe Cases. ISN.

Skin Involvement: Digital (Finger) Ulcers. ISN.

Go to ISN Photo Repository: Sclerodactyly
 
 

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