jennifalconer/InstagramJenni Falconer has revealed more about her struggle with Raynaud’s disease with a graphic Instagram post.
The 42-year-old radio and television presenter shared a picture of her hand, with one finger looking extremely discoloured and lifeless.
Raynaud’s is a painful medical phenomenon whereby the colour of a person’s digits alters after exposure to the cold, which is due to blood vessels spasming, affecting blood supply.
Abnormal nerve control of blood-vessel diameter and nerve sensitivity to cold temperatures are both thought to contribute towards this condition.
Chatting candidly to her Instagram followers, Jenni wrote:
This is my hand at its most attractive….. Anyone else suffer with bad circulation?
Fans were quick to offer support. One person sympathised; ‘Oh yes me! Layering is the key . When you put the wrong gloves on or forget them ….only a sufferer can describe the pain!’
Another said:
Ah, it’s amazing to see how many people struggle with Raynaud’s. We’re not all freaks with our weird white digits after all, we’re just normal!
So, I find sheepskin mitts are great in winter, UGG boots equally good for freezing toes, but since it can happen even on a hot day with a cool gust of wind, it’s hard to rely on gloves.
jennifalconer/InstagramJenni has previously spoken about her condition, revealing to the Mirror, the true extent of her agony:
I’ve suffered from it in my fingers and toes since I was 17 and it can be so painful it brings tears to my eyes.
I first had it at school during a sports science lesson. I’d just finished some exercise and returned to class when my right index finger went completely white, almost fluorescent.
Everyone was amazed at the colour – bloodless fingers can look freaky.
The likeable Scottish broadcaster further explained how her condition worsened as the years went by:
I get it in all my fingers and toes and an attack can last up to 30 minutes. When life returns to the affected part of my body, it’s like being poked with cocktail sticks – a severe case of pins and needles. A burning sensation adds to the pain, too.
Bizarrely, it doesn’t have to be a bitterly cold day to bring it on. One summer I holidayed in the Maldives and was relaxing on a beach in a bikini.
Suddenly, a cooling breeze sprung up and whereas most people probably welcomed it, I didn’t because it brought on Raynaud’s.
Raynaud’s has even made snow-related activities, such as skiing, very difficult for Jenni.
Find out more about Raynaud’s disease in the following clip:
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The NHS advises those with Raynaud’s disease to keep their home warm and wear warm clothes during wintery conditions, paying particular attention to their hands and feet.
Regular exercise to help improve circulation, yoga and healthy eating will also reportedly help to keep nasty symptoms at bay.
jennifalconer/InstagramHere’s hoping for pleasant conditions this summer for poor Jenni and for anyone else who has to contend with this painful – yet under discussed – disease.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.