An estimated 50% of people with Raynaud's disease are not even aware that the condition exists, charity and support group, Raynaud's & Scleroderma Ireland (RSI), has said.

Raynaud's is a condition in which the blood flow that circulates in the fingers and toes is constricted. It results in major changes in the colour of these extremities, from white to blue to red. This occurs in response to even moderate cold or stress, leading to numbness and pain, which can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible.

The condition affects around 10% of the Irish population, yet many of those affected are not even aware that such a condition exists.

In an attempt to raise awareness, RSI is this week holding its first Raynaud's and Scleroderma Awareness Week.

Among the estimated 10% of people with Raynaud's, around 2% will also go on to develop scleroderma, a disease of the immune system, connective tissue and blood vessels. Excess collagen is laid down in the skin causing it to become hard, stiff and shiny. It can also affect the body's organs.

Like Raynaud's, the cause is unknown but Raynaud's is usually the first symptom of scleroderma and may occur many years before any other symptoms.

According to RSI, this week, it has a ‘full programme of promotional, educational and information activities to raise awareness across the nation on both conditions'. It also hopes to encourage those suffering in silence ‘to reach out to the resources available'.

These activities include the provision of a dedicated support and outreach nurse at Dundrum Shopping Centre for the duration of the event.

The awareness week runs until Saturday, April 26, which is also the date of RSI's annual conference. This event will be held at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin in association with Lupus Group Ireland, a support group for people affected by the autoimmune disease, lupus.

For more information on the awareness week or Raynaud's and scleroderma, click here

See also our feature, ‘Living with Raynaud's and Scleroderma', here