It's very common for our hands to get cold on a cold day, or when we're in an office with a good AC. It just means you've been in a cold environment, and it's nothing to worry about. However, if you find that your hands are constantly feeling icy cold even when you're in a warm place, and for no other reason, it could be trying to tell us something.
Why do our hands get cold?
Simply put, this is a defense mechanism of our body. When we are exposed to cold, our body tries to preserve the heat in our major, vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. One way our body does this is by reducing the blood supply to distant organs, such as the hands and feet. The blood vessels in the hands constrict, reducing blood flow. Since blood is a heat carrier, when blood flow is reduced, the hands become cold.
However, sometimes these blood vessels can suddenly constrict without any cold. Doctors call this condition ``vasospasm''. At times like this, you may feel cold in your hands even when you are in a warm environment. If this happens frequently, it can damage the tissues in your hands and even cause skin ulcers. This is a rare condition.
So, if your hands are always cold, or if they feel like they take longer than usual to warm up again when they get cold, it's best to see a doctor.
Do these symptoms accompany cold hands?
Cold hands alone are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you also have the symptoms below, it is important to seek medical advice.
| Symptom | How you feel/look |
|---|---|
| Wounds or ulcers (Ulcers) | Painful, non-healing sores on the fingertips or hands. |
| Pain | Severe pain that occurs with cold hands. |
| Tingling | Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or fingers. |
| Skin changes | Skin that is tighter, thicker, or has changed color (e.g., turning white, blue, purple). |
| Cold feet | As well as the hands, the feet and toes are often cold. |
What are the reasons why hands are always cold?
The main reason is the body's normal response to environmental temperature. However, some medical conditions can also cause cold hands as a symptom.
| Condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Raynaud's syndrome | This is when the blood vessels in the fingers and toes suddenly constrict. This can happen when you are exposed to cold or stress. The fingers turn white or blue, and then turn red and painful when the blood flow resumes. |
| Hypothyroidism | When the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, the body's metabolism slows down. This can affect the entire body and make you feel cold even when you're in a warm place. |
| Peripheral artery disease (PAD) | This is when fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the arteries, blocking blood flow to the hands and feet. This can cause cold hands and feet. This can be a serious condition if left untreated. |
| Lupus | This is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body's immune system attacks its own cells. This can cause swelling and inflammation throughout the body. These patients are also at risk of developing Raynaud's syndrome. |
| Scleroderma | This is also an autoimmune disease. In this, the skin on the hands and fingers becomes thick and stiff. These patients also often experience Raynaud's syndrome. |
How is this treated?
A doctor usually treats the underlying condition that is causing your cold hands, not just the cause . Treatment options will vary depending on your cause.
What things can you do at home?
While you're talking to your doctor, there are a few things you can do yourself to keep your blood circulation going:
- Protect yourself from the cold: Reduce the time you spend in cold places (AC rooms, near refrigerators). Wear gloves/mittens when going outside.
- Manage stress: Stress can also cause blood vessels to constrict. Things like meditation and exercise can help.
- Avoid smoking completely: Smoking damages blood vessels and interferes with blood flow.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Coffee, tea, and alcohol can also cause blood vessels to constrict.
- Take care of your skin: Use a good moisturizer to prevent your hands from drying out.
Medical treatment
If you have a medical condition, your doctor may prescribe medication for it. Some high blood pressure medications can help dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to your hands. For example:
- Calcium channel blockers
- Alpha-blockers
- ACE inhibitors (ACE) inhibitors
Important: These are medications that should only be taken on the advice of a doctor. Never use them at your own discretion.
Very rarely, some people may need nerve block injections or surgery. Your doctor will explain this to you.
Are cold hands a sign of heart disease or anemia?
Cold hands are not usually a direct symptom of heart disease or anemia. However, both of these conditions affect blood flow in the body, and can indirectly affect the blood vessels in the hands.
If you suspect heart disease or anemia, you should pay attention to other symptoms than just cold hands.
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent fatigue
- Dizziness
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) .
Ultimately, cold hands are often a simple sign that your body is cold. But if it happens frequently, for no apparent reason, and you're concerned about it, that's a good reason to talk to a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to have cold hands in cold environments. But if your hands are constantly cold even in warm places, it could be a sign of a problem.
- If you experience symptoms such as cold hands, pain, numbness, skin discoloration, or non-healing wounds, seek medical advice immediately.
- Raynaud's syndrome, thyroid problems, and other medical conditions can cause cold hands.
- If you have concerns about a change in your body, it's always wise to talk to your doctor, rather than assuming, "This is just a small thing."
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