Samia Longchambon has shared a health update as the UK enters a period of cold and wintry weather. The actress is known for playing the role of Maria Connor in the ITV soap, Coronation Street. She has played the character since first appearing on the cobbles in 2000.
As temperatures plummet, the actress shared a picture of her hand as the tip of her fingers had turned white. She told followers on Instagram that she has Raynaud’s disease but assured that it isn’t dangerous and she has had the disease for over 20 years.
According to the NHS, Raynaud’s phenomenon is where your blood stops flowing properly to your fingers and toes. It’s common and does not usually cause severe problems. You can often treat the symptoms yourself by keeping warm. Sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
Raynaud’s affects your blood circulation. When you’re cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour, the health service advises that symptoms can include pain, numbness and pins and needles.
Sharing a picture of her hand that had changed colour, Samia wrote: “I’ve had so many messages since I posted this pic on my story today so I thought I’d make it a grid post!
“Seems many of you have the same thing and lots are asking for tips on how to deal with it. I’ve had it about 20 years now and it’s not dangerous, it’s called #Raynauds disease. When I get too cold a couple of my fingers go numb and I lose feeling in them.
“It doesn’t last long but can be a bit painful when the blood returns. For me, it’s usually just my fingers so it’s quite mild, but I know that it can affect toes too in some people.”
She shared tips, saying: “My tips so far have been to keep as warm as possible (obviously!) Wear gloves when it’s cold out. Hand warmers are my best friend in winter/ Eat/ drink anything with ginger as that’s good for circulation and keep moving my fingers to get the blood flowing again!
The Corrie star told followers: “My advice is purely personal to me so it’s not a professional opinion.” Another soap star also shared she suffers from the disease.
Michelle Hardwick, known for playing Vanessa the vet in Emmerdale, commented: “I first noticed mine when I was 10 playing netball. Since then I’ve been diagnosed with Raynaud’s Disease. Thank goodness for hand warmers in that Emmerdale village.”
Other comments under the post said: “I have it it’s really painful and takes some time to come back at times” and “I’ve just started with this over the past year, happened a few times. Warm water helps with me.”
Further guidance about the disease from the NHS, says: “If you have Raynaud’s and your symptoms are very bad or getting worse, a GP may prescribe a medicine to help improve your circulation. For example, you may be offered nifedipine, which is used to treat high blood pressure.
“Some people need to take this medicine every day. Others only use it to prevent Raynaud’s, for example, during cold weather. A GP may arrange tests if they think Raynaud’s could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.”