Common complications:
- Generalised vasomotor dysfunction
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Digital necrosis
- Skin ulceration
- Chilblains
- Gangrene leading to amputation
- Nail growth disturbances
- Hypothermia due to constant cooling
- Trophic skin changes
- Nerve damage (from soaking/icing)
- Vascular problems – oedema, venous insufficiency and lymphoedema
- High requirements for pain medications
- Obsessive behaviours to avoid or minimise flare episodes
- Long-term systemic effects – e.g. dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system
- Significant morbidity and mortality
- Diminished quality of life, chronicity and disability
- Functional impairment, e.g. unable to work or perform daily activities like shopping, cooking walking or exercise
- Social disablement, e.g. immobility, isolation and loneliness
- Mental health and cognitive difficulties – depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, breakdown in relationships, attempts at taking own life
- Amputation of limbs