Therapy primary Raynaud’s syndrome
In primary Raynaud’s syndrome, causal therapy is not possible because the cause cannot be determined, i.e. is idiopathic. Improvement can be achieved by heat or nitroglycerine as mentioned above. In the secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, however, the underlying disease is groundbreaking.
In addition, one can try to prevent vasospasm in any case. Vasospasm is a spasmodic narrowing of the vessels. In order to prevent this, it is simply recommended to wear gloves and work in a warm environment.
Psychosomatic therapy can also help. In addition to autogenic training, yoga and biofeedback can be used in the therapy of Raynaud’s syndrome. It is also recommended to avoid working with vibrating tools, such as chainsaws or pneumatic hammers.
A drug therapy for Raynaud’s syndrome is also available. Here, nitro ointments and nitro gel, both of which cause dilation of the vessels, the so-called vasodilatation, help. Calcium antagonists (antagonist = causes the opposite effect or prevents the actual effect almost completely) and ACE inhibitors (drug used to treat high blood pressure (hyertension)) also bring about a significant improvement.
Due to the side effects, however, caution is advised in patients with low blood pressure (hypotension). Of course, the circulatory disorder can also be treated with homeopathic medication. The primary Raynaud’s syndrome can usually be treated sufficiently by the family doctor.
If necessary, he or she can refer patients if symptoms are not sufficiently controlled or if the cause is not clear and if there is a secondary Raynaud’s syndrome in the context of another disease. Children should also be clarified separately. Patients are usually referred to a rheumatologist.
Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome can occur with some rheumatic diseases, among others, which can then be treated by a rheumatologist. Initially, an attempt is made to relieve the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome without the use of medication. Only when simple measures, such as avoiding cold, finger training or relaxation exercises are not sufficient, are medicines used.Calcium antagonists are prescribed as first-choice drugs.
These have a vasodilating effect. They also lower the blood pressure. For people with normal blood pressure, they can still be taken in low doses.
Nitroglycerin is applied locally in the form of ointments or gel. It dilates the blood vessels. In secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, there are often other drugs that are used.
There are also other treatment options in this case to treat the underlying disease. Homeopathy also has approaches for the treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome. Since there are various triggers that favor the occurrence of Raynaud’s syndrome, such as stress, the intake of homeopathic remedies can be adapted to individual needs.
In general, the ergot (Secale cornutum) can alleviate the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome. There are various homeopathic remedies that can help with a circulatory disorder – including Raynaud’s syndrome. These include, among others, Tabakum, Espeletia grandiflora and Abrotanum.
A homeopath can help individually in choosing the right remedies and the right dosage. There is no scientific proof of the effectiveness of homeopathy. Since the circulatory disorder in Raynaud’s syndrome is provoked not only by stress but also by cold, special gloves have been developed to protect the hands from cold.
Seamless silver gloves are offered. These consist of a fiber combined with silver. The silver should reflect the body heat and thus keep the hands and fingers nice and warm.
Additionally they activate the blood circulation. The gloves also have an antibacterial and wound healing effect. Alternatively there are heatable gloves and socks. There is a wide range of heatable gloves and the costs are between 20 and 200 €.
