Non-drug Approaches to Treating Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) attacks are thought to be triggered or aggravated by a number of factors, including changes in environmental temperature, trauma to the fingers, smoking, some medications, and emotional distress. The first step in treating RP typically involves lifestyle modifications to reduce exposure to potential triggers. All patients with RP should be educated about possible precipitating factors so that they can reduce or prevent exposures to triggers. Non-drug approaches that might be considered in treating RP include: (1) avoiding exposure to cold and maintaining whole body and digital warmth; (2) avoiding medications that may trigger attacks; (3) smoking cessation; (4) behavioral interventions to manage emotional stress; and (5) other approaches, such as laser therapy or acupuncture. In this chapter, evidence related to non-drug approaches that have been suggested or tested for treating RP is discussed.