Jenni Falconer reveals battle with Raynaud's disease as she shares gruesome snap of blood-deprived finger

TV host, 42, took to Instagram to display a shocking image of her hand

She has battled Raynaud's disease since she was just 17

In 2014 she first revealed her painful battle with the circulatory phenomenon 

The NHS website notes: 'You can often treat the symptoms yourself by keeping warm. Sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious condition'

Jenni Falconer has revealed the gruesome reality of her ongoing battle with Raynaud's disease as she posted a painful snap of her blood-deprived finger.

The 42-year-old shared the snap on Instagram on Thursday evening, showing one finger a white colour in contrast to others, a side-effect of the condition with affects blood circulation around the body.

In the post, Jenni told fans that the cold weather has elevated her struggles with the condition, after previously admitting a Raynaud's attack brings 'tears to my eyes.'

Jenni posted the snap with the caption: This is my hand at its most attractive... Anyone else suffer with bad circulation?' 

Fans were left shocked as she displayed her hand in the image to expose her shocking battle with the painful disease. 

The NHS website describes the disease as: 'Raynaud's phenomenon is common and doesn't usually cause any severe problems. You can often treat the symptoms yourself by keeping warm. Sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious condition.'

In 2014, Jenni discussed her battle with the condition as she explained: 'The problem is, sometimes people think you’re exaggerating how cold you feel... 

Painful: Jenni posted a gruesome snap of her blood-deprived finger on Instagram, white in contrast to all the others

Tough times: In 2014, Jenni discussed her battle with the condition as she explained: 'The problem is, sometimes people think you’re exaggerating how cold you feel' (pictured in 2010)

'I’m a keen runner but going out in cold weather can be painful. I trained this week and got Raynaud’s – it felt like I had blocks of ice attached to my hands. If it’s very cold I’ll train indoors on a treadmill.'

Fans soon swarmed the comments to throw their support behind her as they wrote: 'My three year old suffers from this condition when she has an attack she’s in so much pain it’s heartbreaking to watch she’s on nifedipine but still gets the attacks.

'It’s shocking how so many people don’t no about this and are not aware of the signs I’m actually terrified for my daughter to go nursery... 

 Supportive following: Fans soon swarmed the comments to throw their support behind her as they wrote: 'My three year old suffers from this condition when she has an attack she’s in so much pain' (pictured last year)

'I suffer with it regularly, even in the summer on hot days or even just washing my hands in cold water. I have tried everything I can think of but nothing stops it from happening. I am fit and eat very healthy. It’s so so frustrating... 

'I have this in fingers and toes, even in the warmth, it’s horrible... Me!! I have Raynayds and I run long distance. My feet are worse. It feels like I'm running on hooves sometimes and I get chilblain. 

'Of course the docs blame it on being a runner and being thin but it's hereditary. My dad and uncle both have it... Hi Jenny, I also have raynauds syndrome and feel your pain! Nifedipine does help tho xx'.

What is Raynaud's disease?

Raynaud's condition, triggered by drops in temperature or an increase in stress, causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes contract, cutting off blood supply.

It can also affect the tiny arteries in the nose, ears and tongue.

Typically, Raynaud's causes the fingers or toes to turn white and numb.

Then, as the blood flow returns, they turn blue and eventually red, accompanied by a burning sensation. Attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour.

Nine out of ten cases are in women, with most sufferers having their first attack before the age of 40.

Although attacks peak in the cold winter months, symptoms can be triggered by everyday tasks such as taking food out of the freezer, air conditioning, or even stress — all of which cause blood vessels to contract.

Most patients can cope by wrapping up warm, although some develop painful weeping ulcers, which can become infected. 

Although Raynaud's is common, only a small number of patients go on to develop a more serious connective tissue disease called scleroderma.

It can cause disability and can be life-threatening, which is why it is important to be diagnosed early on so any complications of the condition can be properly treated.

Raynaud's has a straightforward treatment and can be temporarily cured with a drug called nifedipine which relaxes the muscles of your heart and blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.