Cold Hands: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms of Cold Hands

Cold hands can be a symptom of various conditions. Recognizing these signs early can help address potential health concerns effectively.

• Persistent chill in the hands: Hands may feel cold even in warm surroundings, often due to reduced blood flow.
• Pale or bluish fingers: Poor circulation can cause fingers to change color, appearing pale, blue, or purple.
• Numbness or tingling: A pins-and-needles sensation may occur from nerve problems or low circulation.
• Slow healing of cuts or sores: Limited blood supply can delay wound healing on the hands.
• Skin changes: The skin may become dry, cracked, or tight due to insufficient moisture and circulation.
• Pain in fingers when exposed to cold: Fingers may sting or ache when in contact with cold temperatures or water.

Causes of Cold Hands

• Cold weather: Low temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow to the hands and making them feel cold.
• Poor blood circulation: When blood doesn't flow properly, it becomes harder for warmth to reach your hands and fingers.
• Stress or anxiety: High stress levels can tighten blood vessels, limiting blood flow and causing hands to feel cold.
• Dehydration: When the body lacks fluids, circulation slows down, leading to cold sensations in the hands.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: A lack of this vitamin can damage nerves and affect blood flow, causing cold or numb hands.
• Certain medications: Drugs used for blood pressure or migraines can reduce circulation, making hands feel cold.

Conditions That Can Cause Cold Hands

• Raynaud's Disease: This condition causes the blood vessels in the fingers to overreact to cold or stress, turning them pale or blue.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD narrows arteries, especially in the limbs, reducing blood flow and causing cold hands or feet. It's more common in adults over 50, especially in those with diabetes or who smoke.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to poor circulation and cold extremities. Nerve damage may also cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows down body functions, including circulation, which can result in cold intolerance. It may also be linked with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome.
• Anemia: A low red blood cell count limits oxygen delivery to body tissues, often causing cold hands and feet.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Like lupus and scleroderma, these conditions affect blood vessels and connective tissue, disrupting normal circulation and making extremities feel cold.

When To Visit a Doctor?

If your hands and feet are consistently cold, see your doctor, as it could indicate an underlying health issue. Your doctor should check for nerve or blood circulation problems your doctor can prescribe lifestyle changes to help improve the symptoms, depending on your condition.

Signs that indicate a doctor visit may be necessary include:

• Pain in the hands and fingers occurs many times a day, for several days.
• Thickening or stretching of the skin.
• Tingling, throbbing, numbness, or burning sensations occur when blood flow resumes. The skin may appear red.
• Changes in the appearance of the nails.
• Cracks or sores on the fingertips that are difficult to fit.

Diagnosis and Test for Cold Hands

Diagnosing cold hands involves identifying the root cause behind reduced blood flow or nerve issues. Doctors use various tests and examinations to determine whether an underlying health condition is responsible.

• Physical examination: The doctor checks for skin color changes, temperature, and pulse in the hands.
• Medical history: Review of symptoms, lifestyle, and any underlying health conditions.
• Blood tests: Used to check for anemia, thyroid disorders, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound or Doppler studies help assess blood flow in the arteries.
• Nerve conduction studies: Performed if nerve damage is suspected as the cause.
• Cold stimulation test: Measures how blood vessels in the fingers respond to cold exposure.

Treatment of Cold Hands

Treatment will depend on the underlying illness or disorders. Treatment for cold hands or related illnesses may include:

• Treat underlying condition: Manage issues like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's disease.
• Medications: Vasodilators or blood thinners may be prescribed to improve circulation.
• Physical therapy: Gentle hand exercises can improve blood flow and nerve function.
• Avoid cold exposure: Stay warm with gloves, layers, and heated indoor environments.
• Hydration and nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet and drink enough water for circulation support.

Prevention of Cold Hands

• Wear appropriate warm and protective hand gear in cold environments.
• Protect your hands and feet from injuries like cuts and bruises.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes that can trigger symptoms.
• Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, which can constrict blood vessels.
• Ensure children are properly dressed in cold weather and brought indoors if they feel cold.

Lifestyle Changes

• Engage in regular physical activity like walking to improve circulation.
• Take breaks every 30 minutes to stretch or move around during long periods of sitting.
• Maintain proper hand hygiene and skin care to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Dress in layered, loose-fitting clothing to retain body heat effectively.
• Wear warm accessories like hats, gloves, socks, coats, and scarves in cold weather.
• Avoid tight clothing that can restrict blood flow.
• Do light movements such as jumping, marching in place, toe wiggling, and arm circles to stimulate circulation.

Home Remedies

• Apply warm compresses or use electric heating pads on hands, feet, or lower back.
• Hold warm beverages to warm the hands gently.
• Massage hands or feet to stimulate local blood flow.
• Use commercial hand or foot warmers when outdoors for extended periods.