Help for Raynaud's sufferers
HELP is on hand for those who suffer from the frost-bite like symptoms of Raynaud's.
More than ten million people in the UK suffer from the condition which can be incredibly painful with the blood supply to the extremities, usually the fingers and toes but sometimes also the ears and nose, being interrupted.
During an attack they first become white and dead looking then blue and finally red and burning.
There may be considerable pain, numbness or tingling.
Many describe an attack as being similar to having frostbite or having trapped your fingers in a car door.
Women are affected more than men and it can have a devastating effect on the lives of those who have it.
Everyday tasks such as opening jars and bottles, peeling vegetables, shopping, writing, become difficult and a challenge.
The Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association is launching new leaflets for Raynaud's Awareness Month in February.
The leaflets are on Raynaud's Phenomenon, Raynaud's in Teenagers and Youngsters and Chilblains.
They provide information and practical advice on how to make living with these conditions easier and minimise the pain during cold weather.
Fiona Trotter, from the Association, said: "These symptoms can occur with any slight change in temperature.
"Raynaud's can be hereditary when it is usually fairly mild but if someone develops Raynaud's in their 30s or 40s, then it may be secondary to a more rare condition called scleroderma, a debilitating connective tissue disease.
"Many Raynaud's sufferers are prone to chilblains. These are small, itchy and painful reddish blue swellings which develop on the fingers and toes when the skin cools down, causing the tiny blood vessels to constrict severely. Because of the poor blood supply, these chilblains sometimes don't heal very quickly and can become infected.
"The Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association provides support and advice and recommends a variety of tried and tested heating aids and warm clothing to assist sufferers throughout the cold weather.
"For example, you can get battery heated socks and gloves, disposable, rechargeable and microwaveable hand warmers as well as socks and gloves with a silver element, plus many more items which help to keep the hands and feet warm."
For a free information pack call freephone 0800 917 2494 or visit www.raynauds.org.uk.
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Weather for Hastings
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
