Patient discussions

Advice to mitigate RP attacks should include:

  • Staying warm and avoiding damp (e.g., having adequate blankets while sleeping, wearing waterproof clothing, using heated gloves or socks, having a local heater in the workplace, heating a vehicle with a remote starter and/or using a steering wheel cover, wearing mittens in grocery stores)

  • Moisturising dry skin

  • Quitting smoking

  • Avoiding injury to digits and vibration exposure

  • Avoiding stress

  • Doing regular exercise, although there is no evidence to suggest that this improves RP.

Many pharmacological treatments for RP cause lightheadedness, flushing, or more rarely peripheral oedema (puffy feet) and palpitations. Medical attention should be sought if adverse effects are severe.

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