Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society

The Irish Raynaud's & Scleroderma Society (IRSS) is a charity, founded in 1988, to provide information and support for those affected by these two debilitating conditions.

 The IRSS co-funds a clinical nurse specialist at St Vincent’s Hospital, supports research and is developing local support groups. Raynaud’s is a common condition affecting one in 10 people and becomes evident when extremities, usually fingers, change colour in response to exposure to the cold or stress. Fingers will firstly go white due to a lack of blood flow, then change to blue as the blood vessels dilate to keep blood in the tissues and finally to red as the blood flow returns. Whilst Raynaud’s is generally a very manageable chronic condition, it does need to be treated seriously as complications can occur if the condition worsens and ulcers develop.

Raynaud’s can also be a sign that you may be at risk of developing a more serious connective tissue condition, more commonly scleroderma or perhaps lupus. The potential for developing these conditions can be identified via a simple blood test called an ANA, this can be done by your GP. As some 10% of people affected by Raynaud’s may develop underlying diseases over time, it is important that this test is done. The earlier that a condition like scleroderma is diagnosed, the earlier appropriate treatment can commence and the better such conditions can be managed.

The Society is dependent on the support from the public for its work, so please consider making the IRSS your charity to support.

 For further information T: loc-call 0818 363 999 or E: info@irishraynauds.com or www.irishraynauds.com