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Scientists have discovered two genes that may trigger Raynaud’s disease, a condition that can cause fingers and toes to go cold and numb because of the constriction of tiny blood vessels under the skin.

New Study on Raynaud’s Disease

The study included UK Biobank data from more than 440,000 people. Researchers identified 5,147 cases of Raynaud’s. Sixty-eight percent were Primary Raynaud’s, the most common form of the disease. Another 439, 294 records served as controls.

The scientists found that one gene variant affects how blood vessels narrow. Those with the variant had a higher number of a particular receptor for hormones that are released under stress or cold. Another gene variant affects how blood vessels relax.

The results of the study could lead to more effective treatments. Drugs could be developed that target this hormone receptor.

The study was published in the journal “Nature Communications.”

Symptoms of Raynaud’s

Symptoms of Raynaud’s disease include:

•  Areas of the skin that turn white then blue
• Cold fingers or toes
• Numb, prickling feeling or stinging pain upon warming or stress relief

There are two main types of the condition:

1. Primary Raynaud’s: This most common form isn’t the result of another medical condition. It can be so mild that treatment is not sought out. It can also go away on its own.
2. Secondary Raynaud’s: This form develops due to another health condition. Although this form is less common, it tends to be more serious.

About two to five percent of the population is affected, more often women.

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