Raynaud's disease, particularly severe or secondary Raynaud's (associated with autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis), can significantly affect daily activities. The loss of blood flow to fingers and toes causes pain, numbness, colour changes, and in severe cases, ulceration and tissue damage that makes basic tasks impossible.
Which Activities Does Raynaud's Affect?
Preparing Food (Activity 1) - Numbness and pain in fingers making it impossible to grip knives, open tins, or handle cold food from the fridge. Temperature changes in the kitchen triggering attacks. Inability to feel hot surfaces creating burn risk.
Washing and Bathing (Activity 4) - Cold water triggering attacks. Temperature transition between hot shower and cold bathroom causing severe pain. Difficulty gripping soap, shampoo bottles due to numb fingers.
Dressing and Undressing (Activity 6) - Numb fingers making buttons, zips, and laces impossible during attacks. Need for extra time to dress in warm layers. Difficulty putting on gloves (which you need constantly).
Managing Therapy (Activity 3) - Medication management (calcium channel blockers, vasodilators), warming routines, wound care for digital ulcers, specialist appointments. If you have ulcers, the daily wound care time is significant.
Moving Around (Activity 12) - Cold weather limiting ability to go outside. Pain in feet affecting walking distance. Fear of attacks limiting willingness to leave the house in winter.
Severe vs Mild Raynaud's
Mild Raynaud's alone may not score enough PIP points. But severe Raynaud's with ulceration, tissue damage, or secondary Raynaud's linked to autoimmune conditions can score significantly. List all co-existing conditions. If you have scleroderma, lupus, or RA alongside Raynaud's, the combined impact is much greater.
What Evidence Helps?
- Rheumatologist letters
- Photos of attacks and ulcers (dated)
- Thermography results if available
- GP records showing medication and referrals
- Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK support
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