Is cold the only precipitant of Raynauds Phenomenon?
Cold exposure is by far the most common precipitating cause of RP, especially when accompanied by pressure. Typical examples would be the gripping of a cold steering wheel, holding a cold soft drink can, or grasping items in the frozen food section of a grocery store. An attack of RP can also occur after stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system such as with pain and emotional distress. Other potential stimuli include trauma, hormones, medication exposure, and certain chemicals such as those found in cigarette smoke. Additional “causes” such as vibration injury are more correctly attributed to the associated conditions of secondary RP.
