Winter Health Awareness | Naija UK Connect 🇬🇧🇳🇬
As UK temperatures drop, many Nigerians notice something unusual: fingers or toes suddenly turning pale, blue, or painful when exposed to cold or stress. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Raynaud’s affects how blood flows to the fingers and toes and is more noticeable during UK winters, especially for people not used to prolonged cold.
What Is Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where blood vessels temporarily narrow, reducing blood flow to certain parts of the body—most commonly the fingers and toes.
It is often triggered by:
- Cold weather ❄️
- Stress or anxiety
- Sudden temperature changes
Raynaud’s is common and usually not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable and sometimes distressing.
Common Symptoms of Raynaud’s
When exposed to cold or stress, you may notice:
- ❄️ Fingers or toes changing colour (white, blue, then red)
- 😖 Pain or discomfort
- 🧊 Numbness
- 🎯 Pins and needles
Some people also experience symptoms in the ears, nose, lips, or nipples.
⏱️ Symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Raynaud’s and Skin Colour: What Nigerians Should Know
Raynaud’s can look different on darker skin. Instead of obvious white or blue changes, Nigerians and other Black people may notice:
- Fingertips becoming paler or greyish, especially around the nails
- Tingling, numbness, or pain without dramatic colour change
This can make Raynaud’s harder to recognise—so pay attention to sensations, not just colour.
What Causes Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s can be:
- Primary Raynaud’s – occurs on its own and is the most common
- Secondary Raynaud’s – linked to other conditions or factors such as:
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Certain medications
- Long-term use of vibrating tools
If Raynaud’s starts suddenly later in life or becomes severe, it should be checked.
Simple Things You Can Do to Manage Raynaud’s
Most people can manage Raynaud’s symptoms with lifestyle changes.
✅ Do:
- Keep your home warm
- Wear warm clothes, especially gloves, socks, and thermal layers
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation
- Practise relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, yoga)
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
❌ Don’t:
- Smoke — it worsens circulation
- Take too much caffeine (tea, coffee, cola, chocolate), as it can trigger symptoms
When Should You See a GP?
👉 See a GP (non-urgent) if:
- Your symptoms are severe or getting worse
- Raynaud’s affects your daily life
- Symptoms affect only one side of your body
- You also have joint pain, skin rashes, or muscle weakness
- You’re over 30 and getting symptoms for the first time
- A child under 12 shows symptoms
Medical Treatment for Raynaud’s
If symptoms are severe, a GP may prescribe medication to improve blood flow, such as nifedipine (commonly used for blood pressure).
- Some people take medication daily
- Others only use it during cold months
If needed, your GP may arrange tests to rule out underlying conditions.
All guidance and treatment pathways follow standards from NHS.
Support & Further Help
You’re not alone. Support and reliable information are available from Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK), a UK charity supporting people living with Raynaud’s.
They offer:
- Practical advice for daily living
- Educational resources
- Access to support groups
A Final Word for Nigerians in the UK 🇳🇬
Raynaud’s is manageable, especially when recognised early. UK winters can be tough on circulation, particularly for those of us from warmer climates—but with the right steps, symptoms can be reduced.
👉 Listen to your body, keep warm, and seek help early when needed.
At Naija UK Connect, we share trusted health information to help Nigerians in the UK stay informed, protected, and thriving—not just surviving winter.
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