What is the Difference Between Raynaud’s Syndrome and Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Raynaud's Syndrome and Raynaud's Phenomenon are two types of Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition that causes the blood vessels in the extremities to narrow, restricting blood flow. The main differences between the two types are their causes and associated conditions:
- Cause: Raynaud's Syndrome (Primary Raynaud's) occurs without another illness triggering the condition, while Raynaud's Phenomenon (Secondary Raynaud's) occurs as a result of an illness, medication, or lifestyle factor.
- Associated Conditions: Raynaud's Syndrome is not linked with an underlying disease, whereas Raynaud's Phenomenon is associated with other conditions such as connective tissue diseases (e.g., scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), autoimmune disorders, repetitive actions or vibrations, exposure to certain chemicals, and thyroid conditions.
- Prevalence: Raynaud's Syndrome is more common, while Raynaud's Phenomenon is less common.
- Severity: Raynaud's Syndrome usually has milder symptoms and doesn't cause skin ulcers or gangrene, while Raynaud's Phenomenon may have mild or more severe symptoms and can cause skin ulcers or gangrene.
Both types of Raynaud's phenomenon share similar symptoms, such as episodic skin color changes in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress, most commonly found in the fingers and toes.
Comparative Table: Raynaud’s Syndrome vs Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud's Syndrome and Raynaud's Phenomenon are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Here is a table comparing the two:
| Feature | Raynaud's Syndrome | Raynaud's Phenomenon |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Raynaud's Syndrome is a primary condition characterized by episodic skin color changes caused by cold temperatures, most commonly found in the ends of the fingers. | Raynaud's Phenomenon is a secondary condition that occurs in association with another condition, most often one of a group of disorders called connective tissue diseases. |
| Prevalence | It affects 3-5% of the general population. | It affects an even smaller percentage of the population compared to Raynaud's Syndrome. |
| Symptoms | The main symptoms are color changes in the hands, fingers, and other extremities (often in the feet, sometimes, the ears and nose). Affected body parts will often first become white or lighter than a person's normal skin tone, and then turn blue. Discomfort or even severe pain may accompany the color change. | Secondary Raynaud's is more likely to be associated with other complications, such as ulcers on the fingers or fingertip infections. |
| Causes | The cause of primary Raynaud's syndrome remains unknown, but it is suspected to have an autoimmune etiology. | Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with various disorders and conditions, mostly connective tissue disorders like scleroderma, lupus, and myositis. |
| Diagnosis | Raynaud's syndrome itself is diagnosed clinically, with an emphasis on ruling out other causes of secondary Raynaud's syndrome. | Diagnosis of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon involves identifying the underlying disorder causing it. |
In summary, Raynaud's Syndrome is a primary condition with unknown causes, while Raynaud's Phenomenon is a secondary condition that occurs alongside another condition, most commonly connective tissue diseases.
- Raynaud’s Disease vs Buerger’s Disease
- Phenomenon vs Phenomena
- Chilblains vs Frostbite
- Allergic Rhinitis vs Vasomotor Rhinitis
- Symptom vs Syndrome
- Vasoconstriction vs Vasodilation
- Syndrome vs Disease
- Rhinitis vs Sinusitis
- Arthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
- Urticaria vs Angioedema
- Arrhythmia vs Dysrhythmia
- Hot Flashes vs Night Sweats
- Arthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Paresthesia vs Dysesthesia
- Cushings Disease vs Cushings Syndrome
- Thrombophlebitis vs Phlebothrombosis
- Conn’s Syndrome vs Pheochromocytoma
- Scarlet Fever vs Rheumatic Fever
- Pathophysiology vs Pathogenesis