BETTER UNDERSTANDING HOW TO MANAGE LUPUS

How to treat Raynaud's syndrome?

The main recommendation is to protect yourself from the cold:

Dress warmly: the multilayer system fosters the maintenance of a good body temperature. An under layer keeps the body dry and should accelerate the evacuation of sweat during exercise (cotton is not the most suitable because it does not dry very quickly). An intermediate layer helps to retain the heat released by the body because it must prevent the passage of air (fleece, wool sweater). The 3rd layer is used to protect against the weather (windbreaker, raincoat, coat ...).

Keep the head and neck warm, as it is an area of the body that eliminates heat .

Wear gloves (a thin silk glove as an extra layer under a fleece glove is recommended); fingers and hands should not be cramped, a snug fit around the wrists can prevent cold air from seeping in.

Wear warm and wide shoes, preferably leather, with warm socks.

Avoid contact with cold water (do the dishes, cleaning, and cleaning vegetables with hot water) and frequently apply moisturizing creams on the hands to prevent skin injuries and cracks.

Avoid gripping cold objects without protection (frozen products, car steering wheel in the morning, outside door handle in winter,...).

Be wary of air conditioning as a rapid change in temperature can trigger a flare.

Drinking hot drinks can also help the body retain its heat.

Quit smoking: Nicotine reduces the flow of blood in the extremities.

Use additional artificial heat: this can be useful in certain situations, provided that the heat released is not excessive (heaters, electric foot warmers, electric blankets, etc.).

Manage stress: avoid stressful situations or learn how to manage them.

Other measures

Be vigilant to avoid injuries to the hands or toes.

Maintain physical activity, upon medical advice, that allows warming, relaxation and physical and mental well-being.

When working with mechanical tools that cause vibrations, the tool must be held with a light grip and without tension, which allows greater flexibility of operation and fewer shocks for the hands and arms.

Medicines

For the majority of people, medicines are not helpful against Raynaud’s phenomenon. Sometimes, when Raynaud's crises are severe and disabling, your doctor may prescribe vasodilators that promote blood circulation by increasing the opening of blood vessels.

Takeaways

Raynaud's phenomenon is a sign frequently found in lupus; it is most often improved by simple protection against the cold.

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