Ireland will next month host the first Raynaud's and Scleroderma Awareness week.

Raynaud's & Scleroderma Ireland (RSI) is organising a full programme of promotional, educational and information activities to educate people on both conditions and inform the Irish population of the symptoms and treatments associated with each. The awareness week will take place from April 21-16.

Raynaud's is condition that affects the blood flow, occurring usually during periods of cold or stress. The condition causes loss of blood supply to the extremities, usually fingers and toes, leading to a series of colour changes to the hands and feet.

The affected areas generally turn white first, with loss of sensation and loss of dexterity, then blue as the oxygen is used up and finally red as the blood supply returns.

For some people, Raynaud's causes significant problems due to ulceration and gangrene and it is extremely painful. Raynaud's is a common condition affecting some 10% of the population, with primary Raynaud's being the most common form.

Secondary Raynaud's occurs in conjunction with a number of autoimmune conditions, notably scleroderma.

Raynaud's is often the first symptom of scleroderma. Scleroderma is a rare auto-immune disease occurring in 2% of people affected by Raynaud's.

It is a serious Connective Tissue Disease that affects the skin and can also affect major organs. In the worst cases, it can be life threatening. Early diagnosis through an ANA blood test (anti-nuclear antibody) is important, enabling early treatment and leading to best management of the condition,

There is currently no cure for Raynaud's or Scleroderma. RSI says it is its number one priority to raise awareness of the symptoms of both conditions but also to highlight the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling patients' symptoms.

The events planned for the awareness week include having a dedicated support and outreach nurse based for the entire week in Dundrum, Dublin in a temporary drop-in-centre for general public and current patients to come for a free consultation.

Raynaud's & Scleroderma Ireland is also planning the launch of a number of enhanced services, including a self-management online educational tool as well as a patient passport.

On April 26, the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Awareness Week will culminate in its annual conference held in the Gibson Hotel in Dublin.

For further information on either condition or the awareness week, visit www.irishraynauds.com.