Complications

What are the potential complications?

Pain is one of the consequences of Raynaud’s phenomenon. In most cases, it is the only complication.

Another possible and much more serious complication is associated with a prolonged lack of blood in the extremities. When this happens, sores (ulcers) may form on the fingertips, in which case a health care professional should be consulted promptly.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is sometimes associated with another disease, and it is often this other disease that causes the most symptoms. This is called secondary Raynaud’s. The potential presence of these other diseases is why it is important to be evaluated by a health care professional if you notice temporary changes in the colour of your extremities as occurs in Raynaud’s phenomenon, even if you have no other obvious symptoms or complications. Your health care professional will take the opportunity to screen you for other potentially severe or treatable diseases.