Smokers are more vulnerable to Raynaud’s phenomenon, a discoloration of one’s fingers and toes because of excessively reduced blood flow in response to cold weather or emotional stress, according to neurologist Park Gi-deok of the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.

“The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your blood vessels,” the doctor said. “Smoking can really worsen the condition if you have Raynaud’s phenomenon.”

When one develops Raynaud’s phenomenon, the fingers at first go white and cool. They then turn blue or even purple or black in severe cases. They may also go numb.

In South Korea, 31 percent of those who have cold hands and feet suffer from Raynaud’s phenomenon, which tends to get more severe during the winter. It occurs more frequently among women in their 20s to 40s here.

“If your fingers are sensitive to cold and turn blue or white you should see a doctor,” Park said.

There are two different kinds of Raynaud’s phenomenon. One of them is primary Raynaud’s, which is the most common form of the condition and there is no apparent cause for it. In South Korea, 70 percent of all Raynaud’s patients have primary Raynaud’s, and the majority of them are young women.

The secondary Raynaud’s, however, can be more serious. It is usually associated with an underlying disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders and physical traumas including car accident injuries.

In extreme cases, the condition may progress to necrosis or gangrene ― dying of tissue after its blood supply is interrupted ― of the fingertips.

“The secondary Raynaud’s happens more frequently among the elderly,” said the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital in a statement. “And its symptoms and pain can be more severe than the primary Raynaud’s.”

Aside from smokers, those whose jobs involve vibration such as drilling, and those who are often exposed to vinyl chloride, mercury and the cold are also particularly vulnerable to the condition.

When it comes to managing the primary Raynaud’s, it is important to keep a warm core body temperature and avoid smoking and cold temperatures.

“Always wear gloves and socks,” said Park. “If you have primary Raynaud’s, dipping your hands and feet in warm water can also help.”

For patients with secondary Raynaud’s, it is important to treat the underlying disease first. A number of drugs are known to be helpful for Raynaud’s phenomenon, including sympatholytic agents ― often used to treat anxiety, PTSD and panic disorder ― and Losartan, a drug mainly used to treat high blood pressure.

Those who have suffered a physical trauma may benefit from meditation and other relaxation programs, the hospital said.

In severe cases, amputation is performed to treat necrosis.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)