Protect yourself from the cold

This is the best protection there is.

Outside

• Dress warmly in hiver. Layering thin layers of clothing is more effective than wearing a single thick layer to retain warmth. Of course, it is essential to wear gloves or mittens as well as warm socks, but it is also necessary to cover the rest of the body well, because a drop in internal temperature is enough to trigger an attack. a hat is also essential, because the body loses a lot of heat through the scalp.
• When you have to go outside for a long time or in very cold weather, the use of hand warmers and toe warmers is a good trick. These small sachets contain chemicals which, when stirred, generate heat for a few hours. You can put them in your mittens, your pockets, your hat. Some are intended for boots, provided they are not too tight. They are usually sold in sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing.
• En été, sudden changes in temperature should be avoided, for example when entering an air-conditioned place and it is very hot outside. To reduce thermal shocks, always think about having a additional clothing and gloves with you when you have to go to the grocery store, for example, or in any other air-conditioned place.

Inside

• En été, if the accommodation is air-conditioned, maintain the minimum air conditioning.
• Put some gloves before handling refrigerated and frozen products.
• Use a insulating container when taking cold drinks.
• En hiver, if seizures occur at night, wear gloves and socks in bed.

No smoking

In addition to all of its other harmful effects, smoking has direct and completely undesirable consequences on people who suffer from Raynaud’s disease or syndrome. Smoking triggers the tightening of blood vessels, which increases the risk of a seizure, as well as the intensity and duration of symptoms. In addition, smoking increases the risk of blockage of small blood vessels, which can cause gangrene. Smoking should be absolutely avoided. See the Smoking section.

Better manage stress

Learning how to better manage stress can go a long way in helping people whose illness is triggered by this factor. Consult our stress file to know more.

Other measures

• Makeregular physical activity. It warms the body, improves blood circulation and helps in relaxation.
• Be vigilant to avoid injuries to the hands or toes.
• Do not wear jewelry or accessories tight on the hands (rings, bracelets, etc.), ankles or feet (shoes).
• When working with mechanical tools which vibrate a lot, only use those which are well maintained and in good working order. Further advice is given on this subject in the online document from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. See the Sites of Interest section. The doctor may also recommend a change in professional activity.
• Avoid caffeine, as the latter has a vasoconstrictor effect.
• Avoid drugs that cause vasoconstriction : this is particularly the case of decongestants over-the-counter products that contain pseudoephedrine (for example, Sudafed® and Claritin®) or phenylephrine (Sudafed PE®), certain weight loss products (containing ephedrine, also called Ma Huang; their sale is prohibited in Canada) and migraine medications containing ergotamine.
• Patients with Raynaud’s syndrome (secondary form) must avoid birth control pill. Indeed, the blood vessels of these patients are predisposed to obstructions and the birth control pill increases this risk.