Raynauds syndrome, also known as Raynauds phenomenon, is a condition that affects body extremities such as the fingers.

In response to a trigger like cold air or emotional stress, blood vessels become narrow and normal circulation is cut off. This can make your fingers very pale or blue, tingly, or numb. Raynauds can also sometimes affect other areas like your toes, nose, and ears.

Raynauds syndrome has been associated with certain autoimmune diseases.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune condition. It affects the joints and surrounding areas where the bone connects to ligaments and tendons. It can occur at any age but often develops between ages 30 and 50.

If you have PsA, you may be wondering if you should be looking out for signs of Raynauds syndrome. Read on for more information about the two conditions.

While PsA is a type of autoimmune disease, research supporting a direct correlation between PsA and Raynauds is limited. Theres not much evidence to show that the two conditions are related.

However, its possible to have both conditions.

If you experience symptoms of cold intolerance and color changes of your fingers or toes, a rheumatologist can perform tests to determine whether or not those symptoms are consistent with Raynauds.

This diagnostic process may include:

Certain factors can increase your chance of developing Raynauds phenomenon. They include:

Raynauds syndrome has been linked to another inflammatory type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. Still, Raynauds is less common in rheumatoid arthritis compared with other types of rheumatic diseases, such as lupus.

Raynauds phenomenon is a type of vasculitis. The sudden narrowing of the arteries in your fingers or other extremities is called vasospasm, and it happens in response to triggers like cold and anxiety.

Over time, people who have been living with rheumatoid arthritis may develop vasculitis. Where rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, vasculitis causes inflammation in the blood vessels. This affects blood flow to certain areas of your body.

Vasculitis can cause artery walls to become inflamed, which narrows the passage through which your blood travels.

PsA treatment depends on the frequency and severity of symptoms you experience. Mild, intermittent PsA symptoms can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, taken as needed.

More severe cases of PsA are treated with stronger medications like disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, or even surgery.

Treatment for Raynauds is different from PsA treatment and depends on the type. There are two types of Raynauds: primary and secondary.

Known as Raynauds disease, the primary form of Raynauds occurs without any associated medical conditions. Blood work is often normal with no indicators that anything is out of the ordinary.

Primary Raynauds can usually be managed with self-care measures. These include:

In some cases, Raynauds is the first sign that another underlying condition is present. Known as Raynauds syndrome or phenomenon, the secondary form of Raynauds is thought to occur as the result of an autoimmune-related condition, such as:

Secondary Raynauds is often more severe and can require more intervention to manage. It can cause pain and even result in complications like skin ulcers and gangrene. Its less common than primary Raynauds and usually occurs in people over 30 years of age.

Secondary Raynauds can benefit from lifestyle changes as well. However, its often most improved when the underlying condition is treated.

Other treatments specifically for Raynauds aim to prevent tissue damage like ulcers. These include:

PsA is an inflammatory, autoimmune type of arthritis that can accompany psoriasis. Raynauds phenomenon is a type of vasculitis, or narrowing of the blood vessels.

Both conditions are a result of an overactive immune system, which triggers inflammation in the body.

Research supporting a direct link between PsA and Raynauds is limited, but its possible to have both conditions. If you experience Raynauds symptoms, talk to your rheumatologist.

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Psoriatic Arthritis and Raynaud's Syndrome: The Link - Healthline