The Irish Raynaud's and Scleroderma Society will hold its annual awareness conference tomorrow. Up to 10% of Irish people are currently thought to suffer from Raynaud's disease, a condition which affects the extremities, usually the fingers and toes.

The event has been designed to raise awareness of these two conditions, as well as to look at latest developments in the treatment of them. A number of Irish consultants will speak at the event, including Professor Pierce Grace, consultant vascular surgeon at Limerick Regional Hospital.

According to Sheila Miley of the society, the event is open to the public and up to 200 people are expected to attend. The entrance fee is £10.

The event will take place at the Tara Towers Hotel, Booterstown, Co Dublin from 10am until 4.00pm.

Raynaud's is a condition in which the small blood vessels in the fingers, hands and/or feet constrict the flow of blood in response to the cold or emotional stress. When the blood flow stops, the fingers or toes change colour to become white or blue and then red.

In severe cases, it can cause pain and numbness.

Scleroderma is a chronic disease with no known cause or cure. The skin, usually on the hands, arm or face becomes tight, stiff and shiny. Most people who develop it first develop Raynaud's disease.