What is Reynaud's syndrome?

Is this Reynaud's syndrome?

• Last winter, I started having high sensitivity to the cold, especially in my hands and feet. Being outside for a few minutes would cause my fingers to hurt from the cold. I was walking around with 3 pairs of gloves on, and it still did not protect my hands enough from the weather. It made me wonder if I was developing Reynaud's syndrome. However, I've never noticed my fingers or toes get blue or white. They will get bright red once I get inside and they feel stiff, almost numb. If it's not Reynaud's, what else can it be?

• Answer:

  It's possible. Reynaud's phenomenon can present with "red, white and blue" fingers after exposure to cold or even emotional stress. Reynaud's phenomenon is fairly common, especially in women. Reynaud's can be a primary idiopathic condition, or it can be a symptom of another disease or drug effect. If you'd like to "compare notes" with some good pictures of Reynaud's phenomenon try the wikipedia article which has some excellent photographs.