The weather has been brutally cold lately, and it’s likely that your hands have been freezing. But when should you actually start to be concerned?
If you can’t seem to warm your hands or feet no matter what you try, and your fingers turn a pale white, it could be an indication of an underlying health condition.
Are you the type of person who sits at the office wearing gloves, begging your bosses to turn down the air conditioning even in the middle of summer?
Or perhaps you find yourself desperately huddling by the radiator at home, trying to get your hands warm without success?
Some people try holding warm cups of coffee or use heated gloves to keep their hands and feet warm, but it could be more than just the chill in the air.
This condition is called Raynaud’s disease, and it occurs when the tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the skin constrict, limiting blood flow.
This constriction of the vessels is known as vasospasm.
Aside from looking unusual, it can also lead to discomfort, numbness, and that prickling sensation of pins and needles.
It may also be referred to as Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud syndrome, but they all refer to the same condition.
Interestingly, women are more likely to experience this than men.
Just another little fun fact to add to the list!
It’s more commonly seen in individuals living in colder regions.
As per the NHS, skin can even appear blue if the blood vessels constrict too much, and it may later turn red and feel sore or like it’s burning when the blood flow resumes.
While fingers and toes are the most affected, some people also experience this condition in their ears, nose, lips, and even nipples. Ouch indeed.
The NHS mentions that it can also be triggered by certain medications or prolonged use of vibrating tools.
To alleviate symptoms, they suggest keeping your home warm, wearing warm clothing on your hands and feet during the winter, and exercising regularly to promote better circulation.
Additionally, yoga and breathing exercises for stress relief are recommended since stress can worsen the condition.
If you’re a smoker who enjoys coffee, it’s bad news, as quitting smoking can improve circulation. Doctors also note that excessive caffeine intake can trigger symptoms.
It’s recommended to see a doctor if Raynaud’s is disrupting your daily life, if it starts after the age of 30, or if your child under 12 shows symptoms of it.
Treatment may involve medication to improve circulation.