RevitaFit™ Compression Raynauds Gloves for Raynaud’s disease

Understanding Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease, sometimes called Raynaud’s phenomenon, causes episodes of reduced blood flow to certain areas of your body—most commonly the fingers and toes, but sometimes the nose, lips, or ears. During an episode, you might notice your skin turning white or bluish and feeling cold or numb. These changes occur because of vasospasm—a sudden narrowing of blood vessels. This narrowing is often triggered by cold temperatures or emotional stress, reducing blood flow to the affected area.

Why Blood Vessels Constrict

Your body naturally constricts blood vessels to help regulate temperature and blood flow. When you enter a cooler environment, for instance, it’s normal for blood vessels to constrict slightly, which helps you stay warm. However, in Raynaud’s disease, this response is excessive: the vessels tighten too much, drastically reducing blood flow to your fingers, toes, or other areas. As a result, you may feel discomfort and notice significant color changes in your skin. These episodes can occur even when you hold a chilled drink or move into an air-conditioned room, so it’s not just a winter issue

Primary and Secondary Raynaud’s

There are two main types of Raynaud’s disease: primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s disease is usually less severe, and you may not have any other underlying health concerns. The episodes can still be uncomfortable, but they tend to be more manageable for many people. Secondary Raynaud’s disease develops when there is another condition in your body that triggers or worsens your Raynaud’s. If you have Raynaud’s disease, it’s always wise to consult a doctor. A proper evaluation from a doctor can help confirm which type you have and whether there are other issues that require attention.

Triggers and Risk Factors

While the exact causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon are still being studied, cold temperatures and stress are widely recognised as major triggers. Even minor drops in temperature can cause blood vessels to constrict more than usual, resulting in the typical colour changes seen in fingers and toes. Stress can have a similar effect, releasing hormones that make blood vessels tighten (NHS, 2023; Herrick, 2012).

Women are several times more likely than men to experience Raynaud’s symptoms, largely due to hormonal influences on blood vessel behaviour. Changes in hormone levels—including those caused by certain medications—can heighten the sensitivity of blood vessels and make them more reactive (NICE, 2015; Herrick, 2012).

Age also plays a role. Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon most often begins between ages 18 and 30, especially in women, although it can develop at any age (NHS, 2023; Herrick, 2012).

Living in colder climates increases the risk of experiencing Raynaud’s episodes, as repeated exposure to low temperatures can make blood vessels more prone to constriction. However, people living in warmer regions can also develop Raynaud’s (NICE, 2015).

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can further increase risk. Smoking damages the lining of blood vessels, making them more likely to tighten suddenly. Caffeine may also amplify the signals that cause blood vessels to constrict, especially in those who are already sensitive (NHS, 2023; Herrick, 2012).

Genetics also play a role. A family history of Raynaud’s or related conditions can increase your risk, as certain inherited traits may make blood vessels more prone to overreacting to cold or stress (NICE, 2015; Herrick, 2012).

References

• National Health Service (NHS). (2023). Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2015). Systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon in adults (NG19).
• Herrick, A.L. (2012). Raynaud’s phenomenon. BMJ, 344, e289.

Why Secondary Raynaud’s Can Signal a Serious Condition

Secondary Raynaud’s means another health problem is contributing to or causing your Raynaud’s episodes. You might have an autoimmune disorder, such as scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can trigger abnormal immune responses, leading to excessive blood vessel constriction. They vary in how common they are, why they occur, and who is most at risk. For example, scleroderma involves a buildup of scar-like tissue in your skin and organs, which can disrupt normal blood flow. Lupus results from your immune system attacking healthy tissues, and rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects your joints. You might spot other symptoms like joint pain, skin rashes, or persistent fatigue.

The Importance of Consulting a Doctor

If you suspect you have Raynaud’s disease, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional. This is especially true if you notice sores on your fingertips, severe pain, or symptoms that keep getting worse, because these could point to more serious problems. Secondary Raynaud’s, when left unchecked, may lead to complications if the underlying condition is not properly treated. A doctor can investigate potential causes, help you manage flare-ups, and reduce the risk of long-term damage. Seeking medical advice gives you a clearer picture of your health and ensures you address any issues before they become more serious.

Managing Raynaud’s: Compression Gloves to the Rescue

While there isn’t a cure for Raynaud’s disease, practical steps can make a real difference in your symptoms and quality of life. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Society for Rheumatology emphasize that keeping your hands warm and supporting healthy blood flow are central to effective management (NICE, 2015; British Society for Rheumatology, 2018; NHS, 2023).

Compression gloves are a straightforward option to help you follow this advice. They’re designed to fit snugly and apply gentle, even pressure to your hands and fingers. This light compression does more than just provide support—there are important physiological effects to consider:

• Circulation gets a boost: Gentle pressure can help blood return through your veins more efficiently. Because Raynaud’s episodes are triggered by changes in blood flow, supporting circulation in this way can make a tangible difference in how your hands feel.
• Warmth is retained: Compression gloves act as an extra layer, helping to hold in your natural body heat and shield your hands from the cold—a major trigger for Raynaud’s symptoms.
• Comfort improves: Many people notice less numbness, tingling, and pain when their hands are kept warmer and their circulation is supported in this way.
• Fits into daily life: These gloves can be worn alone indoors, or used as glove liners under regular gloves when you go outside, adding flexibility and extra protection.

Most of the direct research on compression gloves has been done with people who have arthritis—a condition that causes joint inflammation rather than affecting blood vessels as Raynaud’s does. However, both conditions can cause similar symptoms in the hands and fingers, like pain, stiffness, numbness, and poor circulation. Studies in arthritis have shown that compression gloves can help with warmth, comfort, and hand function (Dziedzic et al., 2015; Arayssi et al., 2011). Because of this overlap, many clinicians and patients consider these benefits relevant for Raynaud’s management as well.

Overall, compression gloves offer gentle support, help retain warmth, support healthy blood flow, and can make daily tasks more comfortable for those living with Raynaud’s. If your symptoms continue or get worse, it’s always best to seek advice from your GP or specialist.

References

• National Health Service (NHS). (2023). Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2015). Systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon in adults (NG19).
• British Society for Rheumatology. (2018). Guidelines for the management of Raynaud’s phenomenon and systemic sclerosis.
• Dziedzic, K., Krysicka, J., Tennant, A., et al. (2015). The effects of arthritis gloves on people with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology, 54(11), 2064–2072.
• Arayssi, T., Abou-Raya, A., Moreland, L.W. (2011). Non-pharmacological interventions for hand osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9), CD007063.