Raynaud's: The big chill for fingers and toes

Published: February, 2010

Blood vessel spasms can make the cold a painful experience.

In 1862, Maurice Raynaud wrote about 25 patients who developed "pale, cold fingers" in response to cold temperatures. The paleness later gave way to a bluish, then a mottled red color. The young physician believed that a nerve problem was the cause.

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