Laser-Doppler flowmetry in the assessment of "mild" Raynaud's phenomenon and its treatment.

Raynaud's phenomenon is characterised by a reduction in skin temperature and blood flow. Laser-Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) has been used to evaluate LDF recovery time after immersion of hands in water at 20 degrees C for 1 minute before and after treatment. After treatment for 4 weeks with nifedipine 10 mg b.i.d. the recovery time was again measured. The study showed that the treatment is useful for normalising the recovery times and reducing symptoms.