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Introduction:
Dr. S. Murali Krishna is a leading practitioner practices at Visak, Andra Pradesh State. He is enthusiastic in treating challenging cases, very often his study will be emphasized on Evidence Based Medicine. Here he presents a Raynaud’s disease.
The man aged forty years, who was diagnosed and treated as Rayanaud’s Disease by a vascular surgeon consulted me .He wanted to avoid surgery on his economical issues. I examined his fingers with much induration and discharges from the tips on both hands. I noticed some places with blue discolouration. He is a non-stop “Bidi smoker” for a long time.
The symptomatology of the case as follows:Restless and anxious about the complaint. Chilly patient. Burning pains and ameliorated by heat. Bidi smoker Coldness of the affected parts.
The symptomatology classically directed me to prescribe Arsenicum Album with reference to Radar Keynotes. I prescribed Arsenic Album 200 one dose. Initially I observed some changes in discharges and gradual change in colour from blue to purple. Further follow up were prescribed with same remedy at monthly intervals. Excellent improvement preceded the lesions. Finally I prescribed Merc Sol 200 based on the syphilitic miasmatic expression as ulceration.
The photographs taken during and after are given in the back wrapper visual corner for better appreciation.
What is Rayanaud’s Disease?
Raynaud’s disease is a rare disorder that affects blood vessels. These disorders are marked by brief episodes of vasospasm following the narrowing of the blood vessels. Vasospasm causes decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes, and rarely to the nose, ears, nipples, and lips. The fingers are the most commonly affected area, but the toes also are affected frequently. When this disorder occurs without any known cause, it is called Raynaud’s disease, or primary Raynaud’s. When the condition occurs along with a likely cause, it is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, or secondary Raynaud’s. Primary Raynaud’s is more common and tends to be less severe than secondary Raynaud’s.
When you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s, cold temperatures or stressful emotions can trigger attacks. During these attacks, there is a brief lack of blood flow to the affected body part(s), and the skin can temporarily become white then bluish. As blood flow returns to the area, the skin turns red. The affected areas can throb or feel numb and tingly. With severe Raynaud’s, prolonged or repeated episodes can cause sores or tissue death (gangrene).
It is normal for the body to keep its vital inner organs warm by limiting blood flow to the arms, legs, fingers, and toes. The body naturally does this in response to a long period of cold. This response can cause frostbite. In people with Raynaud’s, the response to cold is quicker and stronger. The response can be triggered by mild or short-lived changes in temperature, such as:
Taking something out of the freezer Temperatures that dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit
In people with Raynaud’s, blood flow is more strongly reduced in response to cold temperatures than in people without the disorder. When Raynaud’s is severe (which is uncommon), exposure to cold for as little as 20 minutes can cause major tissue damage.The blood vessels of people with Raynaud’s also physically overreact to stressful emotions. It is normal during times of psychological stress for the body to release hormones that narrow its blood vessels. But for people with Raynaud’s, this squeezing of blood vessels is stronger. This results in less blood reaching fingers, toes, and sometimes other extremities.
