What is Raynaud’s?
Raynaud's is a condition in which blood is prevented from reaching the extremities of the body on exposure to the cold or any slight change in temperature. A small number of people who have Raynaud's also develop scleroderma, a disease which affects the connective tissue.
Scleroderma means hard skin but the hardness is not limited to the skin - the internal organs and their blood supply may become damaged. Scleroderma can be devastating not only for the person who has the condition but also for the families concerned.
Raynaud’s Awareness Month
Raynaud’s Awareness Month takes place every February as statistically it’s the coldest month of the year. Organised by the Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association, the month aims to raise awareness of these disorders and offer help and advice to sufferers and their families.
This year, the RSA is asking you to "LOVEyourGLOVES!" They want people to help them raise awareness and vital funds for research by tweeting #loveyourgloves, displaying a poster or organising a fundraising event.
For more information, contact the RSA on 01270 872776 or info@raynauds.org.uk. If you’d like to knit some gloves for Raynaud's Awareness Month, you can find some free patterns at https://knitmeasong.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/glovelies-free-pattern.html. Please email us a photo of your finished gloves. We’d love to see them!