I have a problem with my circulation (specifically in my fingers) which has progressively gotten worse over the last few years. Whenever it is cold outside (and lately, even when it's not very cold) the tips of some of my fingers turn completely white and go numb. It is hard to relieve the condition. Moving my arms around, even running my hands under warm water does not work very well. I don't smoke and am of normal weight.

I have self-diagnosed the problem as Raynaud's syndrome (or disease?), but is this something that should be checked by a Doctor? Is there any kind of treatment? What might be the actual cause of it? A few times it's happened indoors at temperatures as high as 70 degrees.

Reply -----------------------------

This could be Raynaud's. I would recommend seeing a general internist or family physician for an exam. They probably will not need to send you to a rheumatologist, but might do some simple blood tests to rule out other diseases that can cause your problem or be associated with your symptoms. Sometimes (less than half the time) certain blood pressure pills (a calcium channel blocker) can relieve the symptoms of Raynaud's, but can also cause side effects.

Here is my general health message:
To improve your health, please

• don't smoking cigarettes;
• don't use marijuana or cocaine and especially don't use iv drugs;
• drink no more than one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot of hard liquor in a day;
• have sex with only one person who has sex only with you;
• don't eat fried food (like hamburgers) or other high fat foods.

P. H. MD
Family Physician
Correspondent for General Medical Clinic
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