03/01/2026
RAYNAUDS SYNDROME and COLD WEATHER
I do get Raynaud’s affecting my hands but not my feet, and it can be painful and very uncomfortable, we have very cold weather at the moment and so I want to share some tips to help
Reynauds disease is a condition that causes the fingers and toes and other extremities to turn white or blue when exposed to cold temperatures or stress. There are a few ways you can manage it when you are exposed to cold temperatures or stress.
Warm gloves or mittens and using hand warmers inside the gloves or mittens. There are several recommended products one is called Susie Ski bunny, you can also find handwarmers with external heat sources such as batteries charged or microwaveable pouches.
Warm socks for the feet such as the Raynauds Socks which are 3.1 tog, woollen or bamboo hiking sock, or 2 pairs of walking socks to help trap heat inside and keep your feet warm.
Chemical foot warmers which you can put inside your socks, and footwear, such as hot hands Foot Warmers.
You can also purchase battery charged warm socks, which you can try in warm footwear, such as Isopho, Icouva or Warmfit.
Microwaveable socks or slippers such as Warmies you can wear around the house.
You also need to wear warm footwear which may mean buying the next size up to accommodate the extra pair of socks or thick socks, which should also keep your ankles and lower legs warm such as boots, the same applies to your wrists.
Insoles such as plastazote material which has thermal insulation and water repellent may help.
Apply Alkilwinter cream daily to help deal with any chilblains and help prevent breakdown areas in the skin which can be very painful
Heated jackets coats vests and hoodies also help to keep the core warm. Raynaud’s flares up the body believes it’s under threat from the cold weather or stress and shuts down the blood vessels to the extremities so it is important to keep your core warm. Heated clothing is a lot better than it used to be, much lighter in weight, and batteries last longer.
Make sure all of the body is well protected, a coat with a zip that goes all the way up it’s good to keep the hot air in and the cold weather out also think about wearing a hat which is lined, a scarf around the mouth, combined with socks, gloves and warm footwear, thermal clothes and layers.
Heated bedding products such as electric blankets will also help, which you can use in the house when sat down as well, also 2 layers of blankets around your legs ankles and feet.
Hot water bottles and heating pads can be used inside the house, or in a car that hasn’t heated up yet
Many newer cars today have heated seats and also have heated steering wheels so on a cold frosty day the heat in the car can be beneficial.
Make sure the environment you are in is warm if you are inside for work or home.
Contrast footpaths may help by immersing the feet in cold water for 30 seconds then hot water, combined with keeping mobile may be beneficial.
Exercise regularly, and try breathing exercises or yoga if your symptoms are brought on by stress
Do not smoke because this can affect your circulation.
Do not have too much caffeine ( found in tea, coffee, coca-cola + chocolate )
Join the Raynauds Association who have so much information on how to deal with Raynauds and products that may help.
It’s important to remember that not all products work for everyone, so just try and see what may work for you
Your GP can prescribe Nifedipine to improve the blood supply to your extremities.
