TLDR: Raynaud's disease doctors include rheumatologists, vascular specialists, dermatologists, and primary care physicians. A rheumatologist typically serves as your main specialist since Raynaud's often links to autoimmune conditions. Finding the right doctor means looking for experience with vascular disorders and preparing for diagnostic tests like cold challenges and blood panels.

Why You Need a Raynaud's Disease Doctor

Finding the right Raynaud's disease doctor can mean the difference between years of uncontrolled symptoms and effective management. About 10% of the population experiences Raynaud's, yet only a fraction seek proper medical care. Many dismiss their symptoms as "just cold hands" without realizing that specialized physicians exist who understand this condition deeply.

Raynaud's disease doctors do more than confirm your diagnosis. They determine whether you have primary Raynaud's (occurring on its own) or secondary Raynaud's (caused by an underlying condition). This distinction shapes your entire treatment plan. Secondary Raynaud's requires identification and management of the root cause—something only a trained specialist can properly assess.

The right doctor also monitors for complications. Severe Raynaud's can lead to fingertip ulcers, tissue damage, and in rare cases, gangrene. Regular appointments with a knowledgeable physician catch warning signs early, when intervention works best. Without proper medical oversight, preventable complications can become serious problems.

Understanding Raynaud's: What Doctors Look For

When you visit a Raynaud's disease doctor, they evaluate specific patterns that distinguish this condition from ordinary cold sensitivity. The hallmark sign involves a three-phase color change: fingers turn white as blood drains away, then blue from oxygen deprivation, then red as circulation returns. Not everyone experiences all three phases, but doctors know what variations to expect.

Physicians also assess symmetry. Primary Raynaud's typically affects both hands equally. When symptoms appear on only one side or affect fingers unevenly, doctors suspect secondary causes requiring additional investigation.

Timing matters to your doctor as well. Primary Raynaud's usually begins before age 30 and affects women more often than men. Symptoms starting after age 35 raise red flags for underlying conditions. Your doctor will ask detailed questions about when symptoms first appeared, what triggers them, and how long attacks last.

Beyond fingers, Raynaud's disease doctors check whether symptoms affect your toes, ears, nose, or nipples. The condition can impact any area where small blood vessels supply the skin. Knowing the full scope of your symptoms helps doctors assess severity and choose appropriate treatments.

Primary Care Physicians: Your First Stop

Your family doctor or internist serves as the gateway to Raynaud's care. These primary care physicians can recognize classic Raynaud's symptoms, perform initial evaluations, and determine whether you need specialist referrals.

For mild primary Raynaud's, your primary care doctor may handle your ongoing care without specialist involvement. They can recommend lifestyle modifications, prescribe first-line medications if needed, and monitor your symptoms over time. Many patients with uncomplicated Raynaud's never require additional specialists.

Primary care doctors also coordinate your overall health. They track how Raynaud's interacts with other conditions you have and review your medications for drugs that might worsen symptoms. Beta-blockers, certain migraine medications, ADHD drugs, and some decongestants can trigger or aggravate Raynaud's attacks. Your primary care physician catches these connections.

When your symptoms suggest secondary Raynaud's, your primary care doctor refers you to the appropriate specialist. They choose based on your specific situation—rheumatology for suspected autoimmune causes, vascular medicine for circulation concerns, or dermatology for skin complications.

Rheumatologists: The Lead Specialists for Raynaud's

Rheumatologists function as the primary Raynaud's disease doctors for most patients needing specialist care. These physicians specialize in autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders, and inflammatory conditions—the very problems that most commonly cause secondary Raynaud's.

The connection between Raynaud's and autoimmune disease runs deep. About 70% of scleroderma patients develop Raynaud's as their first symptom, often years before other signs appear. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and mixed connective tissue disease all commonly trigger Raynaud's phenomenon. A rheumatologist understands these relationships and knows what warning signs to monitor.

During your rheumatology visit, expect a thorough examination of your hands. The doctor will inspect your fingernails under magnification using a technique called nailfold capillaroscopy. Abnormal capillary patterns in the nail folds suggest autoimmune involvement even before blood tests turn positive. This examination takes only minutes but provides valuable diagnostic information.

Rheumatologists order comprehensive blood panels to screen for underlying conditions. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing, specific autoantibody tests, inflammatory markers, and thyroid function tests help distinguish primary from secondary Raynaud's. If autoimmune disease is present, treating it often improves Raynaud's symptoms significantly.

Vascular Medicine Doctors and Surgeons

Vascular specialists bring expertise in blood vessel function and circulation. These Raynaud's disease doctors become involved when symptoms suggest significant vascular compromise or when standard treatments fail to control attacks.

Vascular medicine physicians focus on non-surgical management of circulation problems. They use Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow through your fingers and can identify blockages or abnormalities in the small arteries supplying your hands. This detailed vascular assessment guides treatment decisions and helps predict which patients face higher complication risks.

Vascular surgeons handle cases requiring procedural intervention. They perform sympathectomy surgery—a procedure that interrupts the nerve signals causing blood vessel constriction. While not everyone with Raynaud's needs surgery, those with severe symptoms unresponsive to medications may benefit substantially.

Some vascular specialists offer Botox injections for Raynaud's. When injected near blood vessels in the hand, botulinum toxin can improve circulation for several months. This approach works well for patients who want relief without committing to daily medications or permanent surgical changes.

Dermatologists for Skin Complications

Dermatologists join your care team when Raynaud's affects your skin beyond simple color changes. Severe or prolonged attacks can cause fingertip ulcers, sores, and infections requiring specialized wound management.

These skin specialists understand how reduced blood flow impacts tissue health. They provide treatments that promote healing while protecting vulnerable areas from further damage. For patients with recurring ulcers, dermatologists develop prevention strategies and maintenance care plans.

Dermatologists also help differentiate Raynaud's from conditions with similar appearances. Chilblains (inflammatory skin bumps from cold exposure), frostbite, and certain skin diseases can mimic Raynaud's presentation. A dermatologist's trained eye confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes.

How to Find the Right Raynaud's Disease Doctor

Start by asking your primary care physician for referrals. They know which specialists in your area have experience with Raynaud's and can match you with someone suited to your specific situation. A rheumatologist referral makes sense for most patients, but your doctor may suggest vascular medicine if your symptoms seem primarily circulation-related.

Major medical centers often house dedicated Raynaud's clinics. Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston operates one of the few clinics in New England focused exclusively on Raynaud's evaluation and treatment. NYU Langone, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and university health systems typically have rheumatologists and vascular specialists experienced with this condition.

When searching independently, look for board-certified rheumatologists or vascular medicine physicians. Check whether they list Raynaud's, scleroderma, or connective tissue diseases among their clinical interests. Doctors who see these conditions regularly stay current on treatment advances and recognize subtle presentation patterns.

Patient reviews offer insight into bedside manner and communication style, though they rarely indicate clinical expertise. Focus more on credentials, hospital affiliations, and whether the doctor participates in research or professional organizations related to Raynaud's and autoimmune disease.

Insurance coverage matters practically. Confirm that prospective specialists accept your insurance before scheduling. Rheumatology and vascular medicine appointments typically require referrals for insurance purposes, so coordinate with your primary care doctor first.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Specialist

Before committing to a new Raynaud's disease doctor, gather information that helps you evaluate their fit for your needs. Consider calling the office or preparing questions for your first visit.

Ask how many Raynaud's patients the doctor sees monthly. Physicians who regularly manage this condition recognize patterns and complications that occasional practitioners might miss. Experience matters with a condition that varies so much between individuals.

Inquire about their approach to distinguishing primary from secondary Raynaud's. A thorough answer demonstrates understanding of the condition's complexity. Doctors should mention physical examination, blood testing, and possibly nailfold capillaroscopy as part of their evaluation process.

Ask what treatments they typically recommend and under what circumstances. Good Raynaud's disease doctors start with lifestyle modifications and add medications only when necessary. They should mention calcium channel blockers as first-line drug therapy and discuss other options for patients who don't respond.

Find out how they handle emergencies. Severe Raynaud's attacks occasionally require urgent intervention. Know whether the doctor offers same-day appointments for acute problems or has on-call coverage after hours.

Ask about their communication style and accessibility. Can you reach them through a patient portal? How quickly do they return calls? Managing a chronic condition works better when you can easily contact your doctor with questions or concerns.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your initial visit with a Raynaud's disease doctor typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Come prepared to discuss your complete medical history and describe your symptoms in detail. The more information you provide, the better your doctor can assess your situation.

Bring a written list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Include dosages and how long you've been taking each one. Some medications trigger or worsen Raynaud's symptoms, and your doctor needs this complete picture.

Document your symptoms before the appointment. Note when attacks occur, what triggers them, which body parts are affected, how long episodes last, and what helps resolve them. Photos of your hands during an attack provide valuable visual evidence—the distinctive color changes often resolve before you reach the office.

Expect a physical examination focusing on your hands. The doctor will inspect your fingers and nails, feel for pulses in your wrists, and look for signs of skin changes or tissue damage. They may examine your hands under magnification to assess the tiny blood vessels visible in your nail folds.

Interestingly, the stress of a medical visit sometimes triggers Raynaud's symptoms right in the exam room. If your fingers start changing color during the appointment, point it out—this provides diagnostic confirmation your doctor can directly observe.

Your doctor will likely order blood tests at this first visit. Expect to have blood drawn either in the office or at a lab before your follow-up appointment. These tests screen for autoimmune conditions and other causes of secondary Raynaud's.

Diagnostic Tests Your Doctor Will Order

Raynaud's disease doctors use several tests to confirm diagnosis and identify underlying causes. Understanding these tests helps you prepare for what's ahead.

Cold challenge testing deliberately provokes symptoms under controlled conditions. Your doctor exposes your hands to cold water or cold air while monitoring temperature and color changes. This confirms the diagnosis and helps assess severity. The test feels uncomfortable but causes no lasting harm.

Nailfold capillaroscopy examines the tiny blood vessels visible at the base of your fingernails. Using a specialized microscope or dermatoscope, your doctor looks for abnormal capillary patterns that suggest autoimmune disease. Enlarged, irregular, or missing capillaries indicate secondary Raynaud's even when other tests appear normal.

Blood tests form the cornerstone of secondary Raynaud's evaluation. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test screens broadly for autoimmune conditions. Positive results prompt additional specific antibody tests that identify particular diseases like scleroderma or lupus. Thyroid function tests check for hormonal causes. Inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP indicate active inflammation.

Some Raynaud's disease doctors order vascular imaging studies. Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow through your fingers. In severe cases, arteriography (X-ray imaging of blood vessels using contrast dye) maps the arteries in your hands to identify blockages requiring intervention.

Follow-Up Appointments and Ongoing Care

After your initial evaluation, your Raynaud's disease doctor schedules follow-up visits based on your diagnosis and treatment plan. Expect appointments every few months initially, with less frequent visits once your condition stabilizes.

Follow-up visits typically run shorter than your first appointment—usually 15 to 30 minutes. Your doctor assesses how well current treatments control your symptoms, checks for complications, and adjusts medications if needed. Bring an updated list of your symptoms, including attack frequency and severity.

For secondary Raynaud's, your doctor monitors for progression of the underlying disease. Regular blood tests track autoimmune activity. Physical examinations check for new symptoms that might indicate disease advancement. This ongoing surveillance catches problems early when treatment works best.

Even patients with stable primary Raynaud's benefit from annual check-ins. Your doctor can reassess your treatment approach, discuss new options that become available, and screen for any changes suggesting secondary causes developing over time.

Between appointments, keep notes about your symptoms. Track attack frequency, duration, and triggers. Note any new symptoms or medication side effects. This information helps your doctor make informed decisions about your care.

Treatments Your Doctor May Prescribe

Raynaud's disease doctors choose treatments based on symptom severity and whether you have primary or secondary disease. Lifestyle modifications form the foundation for everyone, with medications added when behavior changes alone don't provide adequate control.

Calcium channel blockers represent the first-line drug therapy. Nifedipine and amlodipine relax blood vessels, reducing attack frequency and severity. Your doctor typically starts with a low dose and increases gradually. Side effects like headaches, flushing, and ankle swelling affect some patients but usually remain manageable.

Alpha-blockers offer an alternative approach. Prazosin and similar medications counteract the nerve signals causing blood vessel constriction. They work well for some patients who don't tolerate calcium channel blockers.

For severe cases, doctors may prescribe vasodilators like sildenafil (yes, the same medication as Viagra). Topical nitroglycerin applied directly to affected fingers can abort acute attacks. Prostaglandin medications delivered intravenously help manage severe episodes with threatened tissue damage.

Secondary Raynaud's requires treatment of the underlying condition. Immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune diseases often improve Raynaud's symptoms as the primary disease comes under control. Your doctor coordinates this treatment with your rheumatologist or other specialists.

What Doctors Recommend for Daily Management

Every Raynaud's disease doctor emphasizes lifestyle modifications as the foundation of symptom control. These changes often reduce attacks more effectively than medications alone.

Temperature management tops the list. Keep your whole body warm—not just your hands. Attacks often begin when your core temperature drops, even if your extremities initially feel fine. Dress in layers, wear hats, and maintain comfortable room temperatures at home and work.

Hand protection becomes particularly important. Doctors recommend wearing gloves or mittens whenever you face cold exposure, including air-conditioned environments and freezer sections in grocery stores. Mittens generally outperform gloves because they keep fingers together, sharing warmth. The Dr. Arthritis Heated Mittens offer microwavable heat inserts that provide sustained therapeutic warmth—a feature many physicians specifically recommend for their Raynaud's patients.

Smoking cessation is non-negotiable according to every Raynaud's specialist. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and directly worsens symptoms. Quitting smoking often produces noticeable improvement within weeks.

Caffeine reduction helps some patients. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate all contain caffeine that can trigger vessel constriction. Your doctor may suggest limiting intake to see if symptoms improve.

Stress management addresses a common trigger. Emotional stress causes attacks just like cold exposure. Regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and adequate sleep help regulate your body's stress response.

Compression therapy supports circulation between attacks. Medical-grade compression gloves apply gentle pressure that promotes blood flow to the fingers. The Premium Compression Gloves (Open-Finger) allow dexterity for daily tasks while supporting circulation. For complete coverage, the Copper Compression Gloves (Full-Fingered) work well for sleeping or extended wear. Both options include physician-developed guides for proper use.

When Your Doctor May Refer You to a Surgeon

Most Raynaud's patients never need surgery. However, severe secondary Raynaud's that doesn't respond to medications may benefit from surgical intervention.

Hand surgeons—whether orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, or vascular surgeons with specialized training—perform sympathectomy procedures. This surgery cuts the small nerves that trigger blood vessel constriction in the hands. Results vary between patients, and some require repeat procedures, but many experience significant and lasting improvement.

Your Raynaud's disease doctor refers you to surgery when conservative treatments fail and symptoms significantly impact your quality of life or threaten tissue viability. Surgeons evaluate candidates carefully, weighing potential benefits against surgical risks.

Surgeons also manage complications like digital ulcers that won't heal despite proper medical care. Blocked arteries threatening finger survival require vascular surgery intervention. In rare cases of gangrene, amputation becomes necessary—though modern treatments have made this outcome increasingly uncommon with proper medical management.

Before surgery, expect a thorough evaluation including detailed vascular imaging. The surgeon needs to understand your specific anatomy and blood flow patterns to plan the procedure effectively.

Red Flags That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Raynaud's disease doctors want patients to recognize warning signs requiring urgent care. While most attacks resolve safely with warming, certain situations demand immediate medical evaluation.

Fingertip sores or ulcers that don't heal within a few days need prompt attention. These wounds can become infected quickly, and infections in poorly circulated tissue spread fast. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and specialized wound care to prevent complications.

Symptoms appearing on only one side of your body warrant urgent evaluation. Asymmetric Raynaud's suggests a different underlying cause—possibly a blood clot or arterial problem—requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Prolonged attacks lasting several hours despite warming efforts signal severe disease. If your fingers remain blue or white and you can't restore circulation, seek emergency care. Prolonged blood flow interruption can cause permanent tissue damage.

Signs of infection—including redness spreading beyond a wound, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever—require same-day medical attention. Infections in Raynaud's-affected tissue can progress rapidly due to compromised circulation.

New symptoms starting after age 35 deserve prompt investigation, even if they seem mild. Late-onset Raynaud's more commonly indicates an underlying condition needing diagnosis. Don't wait months for a routine appointment—request evaluation within a few weeks.

Black areas on your fingertips indicate tissue death and require emergency care immediately. While rare with proper management, gangrene can develop in severe untreated cases. Early intervention can sometimes save affected tissue.