Induced vasodilation as a home treatment for Raynaud's disease

J Rheumatol. 1985 Oct;12(5):953-6.

Abstract

Ten patients with Raynaud's disease treated themselves at home using induced vasodilation 3 times/day, every other day, for 18 treatment days. The patients, dressed in indoor clothing, immersed both hands in warm tap water (43-45 degrees C) for 8-10 min while exposed to naturally occurring ambient cold. Results of pre- and posttreatment cold exposures showed a significant mean increase in digital temperature of 3.4 degrees C (p less than .001). Conditioning therapy appears to be an effective, feasible alternative to drug or surgical therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Cold Temperature
  • Conditioning, Classical / physiology
  • Female
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Raynaud Disease / physiopathology
  • Raynaud Disease / psychology
  • Raynaud Disease / therapy*
  • Vasodilation*
  • Water

Substances

  • Water