Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK

The Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Association is a volunatary, non-profit organization that was established in the United Kingdom in 1982. The association is dedicated to promoting greater awareness of Raynaud’s and scleroderma; offering support, information, and advice to affected individuals and family members; and assisting in the welfare of those who have disabilities resulting from or are chronically ill due to Raynaud’s and scleroderma. Raynaud’s is a condition characterized by sudden, episodic contraction of the blood vessels supplying the fingers and toes (digits), causing an interruption of blood flow to the digits. Episodes are usually triggered by exposure to cold temperatures. If the condition appears to occur spontaneously with no known cause, it is known as Raynaud’s disease. When it occurs due to an underlying disorder, such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon. Scleroderma is a rare disorder characterized by chronic thickening and hardening of the skin. The disorder may be localized, involving changes of the skin and underlying tissues or may be systemic.