Raynaud’s symptoms are usually noticed in the fingers or toes.
During an episode, these areas can become unusually cold or numb,
and the skin may temporarily change in appearance.
Raynaud’s is not simply a feeling of cold hands. Common symptoms
include coldness, numbness, tingling, pain, temporary skin color
changes, and, for some people, burning or swelling as an episode
changes and blood flow returns.
Not every person experiences all of these symptoms, and they do not
necessarily appear at the same time. The sensations can also change
during the course of an episode.
What Does Raynaud’s Feel Like?
A Raynaud’s episode can make the affected fingers or toes feel very
different from normal. Coldness and numbness are common, while
tingling, prickling, pain, or other discomfort may also occur.
The experience can change as an episode develops. Some sensations
are more noticeable while the area is cold, while others may become
noticeable as the area begins to warm again.
Unusually Cold Fingers or Toes
An unusually cold feeling in the fingers or toes is one of the most
recognizable symptoms of Raynaud’s. The affected area may feel much
colder than the surrounding skin.
The cold sensation can be noticeable even when the rest of the body
does not feel particularly cold.
Numbness and Tingling
Numbness can make the affected fingers or toes feel less sensitive
than usual. Ordinary touch or sensation may feel muted during an
episode.
Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation can occur alongside
numbness. For some people, tingling becomes more noticeable as the
affected area begins to warm.
For a deeper explanation of numbness associated with Raynaud’s, see
Raynaud’s and Numbness
.
Temporary Changes in Skin Color
Raynaud’s can cause temporary changes in the color of the affected
fingers or toes. The skin may become pale or take on another
temporary color during an episode, then change again as the area
warms.
The appearance of these changes can vary between people and may be
easier or harder to notice depending on natural skin tone.
For a detailed explanation of the color changes, see
Why Do Raynaud’s Fingers Turn White?
.
Pain, Stinging, or Burning
Some people experience pain, aching, stinging, or burning sensations
during or around a Raynaud’s episode. These sensations are not
present in every person or every episode.
Discomfort may become particularly noticeable as the affected area
warms and the episode changes.
For a closer look at pain, stinging, and burning associated with
Raynaud’s, see
Raynaud’s and Pain
.
Swelling as the Area Warms
Some people notice temporary swelling in the fingers or toes as an
episode ends and the affected area warms.
Swelling does not occur in every episode, but it can be part of the
changing sensations and appearance experienced as the episode
resolves.
For more information about swollen fingers associated with
Raynaud’s, see
Can Raynaud’s Cause Swollen Fingers?
.
How Raynaud’s Symptoms Can Change During an Episode
Raynaud’s symptoms can change rather than remaining the same from
beginning to end. An episode may start with coldness, numbness, and
a temporary change in skin color.
As the episode changes, tingling or other sensations may become more
noticeable. When the affected area begins to warm, some people
experience tingling, throbbing, stinging, burning, or temporary
swelling.
The length of an individual episode can vary. For more information
about how long a Raynaud’s attack can last, see
How Long Does a Raynaud’s Attack Last?
.
Do Raynaud’s Symptoms Vary From Person to Person?
Yes. Raynaud’s does not produce exactly the same experience in
everyone. One person may mainly notice coldness and numbness, while
another may notice more tingling, color changes, pain, or swelling.
The combination and intensity of symptoms can also vary from one
episode to another.
Raynaud’s Symptoms at a Glance
Raynaud’s commonly causes unusually cold fingers or toes,
numbness, tingling, temporary skin color changes, and sometimes
pain, stinging, or burning. Some people also experience temporary
swelling as the affected area warms and the episode resolves.
These symptoms can change during an episode, so the way Raynaud’s
feels at the beginning may not be the same as how it feels during
recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s?
Common symptoms include unusually cold fingers or toes, numbness,
tingling, temporary skin color changes, and sometimes pain,
stinging, or burning. Some people also experience temporary
swelling as the area warms.
Can Raynaud’s make your fingers numb?
Yes. Fingers or toes affected by Raynaud’s may become numb during
an episode, often together with an unusually cold sensation.
Can Raynaud’s cause tingling?
Yes. Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation can occur during
an episode and may become more noticeable as the affected area
begins to warm.
Can Raynaud’s cause pain or burning?
Some people experience pain, aching, stinging, or burning during
or around a Raynaud’s episode, particularly as the affected area
begins to warm.
Can Raynaud’s change the color of your fingers?
Yes. The affected fingers or toes may temporarily change color
during an episode and may change again as the area warms.
Can Raynaud’s cause swollen fingers?
Some people experience temporary swelling in the fingers or toes
as an episode ends and the affected area warms.
Do Raynaud’s symptoms feel the same for everyone?
No. The combination and intensity of symptoms can vary from
person to person and from one episode to another.
Medical note:
This article provides general educational information about
Raynaud’s symptoms and is not intended to diagnose or treat a
medical condition.