To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of Raynaud's phenomenon we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow Raynaud's phenomenon to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind Raynaud's phenomenon consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia | 98% | Confirm |
Lupus (SLE) | 18% | Unlikely |
Dermatomyositis | 5% | Ruled out |
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity | 3% | Ruled out |
Silicone Disease | 0% | Ruled out |
Do you have Raynaud's Phenomenon (extreme loss of circulation to fingers and/or toes)?
Possible responses:
→ No / don't know→ Probably had it / minor episode(s) now resolved → Major episode(s) now resolved → Current minor problem → Current major problem |
Raynaud's phenomenon is found in between 30% to 50% of CFS/FMS sufferers.
Raynaud's phenomenon has been observed in 17-30% of patients with SLE, depending on the study.