Contents
Cold hands and feet
How are cold hands and feet defined?
Having cold extremities, namely the hands and feet, is a common occurrence. It is benign in most cases and can occur even when the surrounding air is not cold.
The cooling of the hands and feet is mainly due to a decrease in blood circulation at these levels. A lower blood flow is indeed synonymous with less heat. However, some causes can be more serious. If the cold extremities persist and the fingers of the feet and hands change color, it may be a warning sign: the nerves may be affected or it may be tissue damage. It is therefore necessary to consult a doctor who can establish a precise diagnosis and best treat this impairment.
Some symptoms may be associated with feeling cold in the extremities, including:
- change in color of the skin at the extremities, towards blue or white
- numbness, tingling
- presence of wounds or blisters
- hardening of the skin
What are the causes of cold hands and feet?
Having cold extremities, namely the hands and feet, is a common occurrence. It is benign in most cases and can occur even when the surrounding air is not cold.
The cooling of the hands and feet is mainly due to a decrease in blood circulation at these levels. A lower blood flow is indeed synonymous with less heat. However, some causes can be more serious. If the cold extremities persist and the fingers of the feet and hands change color, it may be a warning sign: the nerves may be affected or it may be tissue damage. It is therefore necessary to consult a doctor who can establish a precise diagnosis and best treat this impairment.
Some symptoms may be associated with feeling cold in the extremities, including:
- change in color of the skin at the extremities, towards blue or white
- numbness, tingling
- presence of wounds or blisters
- hardening of the skin
What are the solutions for treating cold hands and feet?
Solutions to relieve the feeling of cold hands and feet depend on the cause. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment.
Note that if it is simply cold, it is advisable to reactivate the blood circulation by moving actively, to immerse the hands and feet in lukewarm water (not too hot to avoid burns).
Read also :Our fact sheet on Raynaud’s disease Our fact sheet on lupus What you need to know about anemia |