Part II: The treatment of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Feb;90(2):237-248. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.05.067. Epub 2022 Jul 6.

Abstract

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) presents with either primary or secondary disease, and both have the potential to negatively impact patient quality of life. First-line management of RP should include lifestyle modifications in all patients. Some patients with primary RP and most with secondary RP require pharmacologic therapies, which may include calcium channel blockers, topical nitrates, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, or endothelin antagonists. Additional approaches to treatment for those with signs of critical ischemia or those who fail pharmacologic therapy include botulinum toxin injection and digital sympathectomy. Herein, we describe in detail the treatment options for patients with RP as well as provide treatment algorithms for each RP subtype.

Keywords: Raynaud phenomenon; connective tissue disease; medical dermatology; scleroderma; systemic lupus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Nitrates / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life*
  • Raynaud Disease* / diagnosis
  • Raynaud Disease* / etiology
  • Raynaud Disease* / therapy

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Nitrates