*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Raynauds

Raynaud's phenomenon is where your blood stops flowing properly to your fingers and toes. It's common and does not usually cause severe problems. You can often treat the symptoms yourself by keeping warm. Sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Check if it's Raynaud's

Raynaud's affects your blood circulation. When you're cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour.

Other symptoms can include:

pain
numbness
pins and needles

Some people also find that their ears, nose, lips or nipples are affected.

The symptoms of Raynaud's may last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Raynaud's is sometimes caused by another health condition, taking certain medicines, or working with vibrating tools for a long time.

Things you can do to help with Raynaud's

If you have Raynaud's:

Do

keep your home warm
wear warm clothes during cold weather, especially on your hands and feet
try to avoid sudden changes in temperature
exercise regularly - this helps improve circulation
try breathing exercises or yoga to help you relax
eat a healthy, balanced diet

Don't

do not smoke - improve your circulation by quitting smoking
do not have too much caffeine (found in tea, coffee, cola and chocolate) - it may trigger the symptoms of Raynaud's

See a GP if:

you have symptoms of Raynaud's that are very bad or getting worse
Raynaud's is affecting your daily life
your symptoms are only on 1 side of your body
you also have joint pain, skin rashes or muscle weakness
you're over 30 years old and get symptoms of Raynaud's for the first time
your child is under 12 years old and has symptoms of Raynaud's

Treatment for Raynaud's from a GP

If you have Raynaud's and your symptoms are very bad or getting worse, a GP may prescribe a medicine to help improve your circulation. For example, you may be offered nifedipine, which is used to treat high blood pressure.

Some people need to take this medicine every day. Others only use it to prevent Raynaud's, for example, during cold weather.

A GP may arrange tests if they think Raynaud's could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Support from Scleroderma and Raynaud's UK (SRUK)

SRUK is a charity for people with scleroderma or Raynaud's.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.