Cold Hands: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

• Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin, is often accompanied by Raynaud's disease.
• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is another autoimmune disease that can cause Raynaud's disease.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which causes numbness and weakness in the hand because of entrapment of the median nerve, is often accompanied by Raynaud's syndrome.

Other causes of secondary Raynaud's disease can include:

• Repetitive movements: repetitive movements associated with writing or playing a musical instrument for long periods can be a factor.
• Hand injuries: Hand injuries caused by accident, surgery, or frostbite.
• Use of some chemicals in the workplace, such as vinyl chloride.
• Medication use: Some medications related to secondary Raynaud's are chemotherapy agents, birth control pills, over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, and beta-blockers to treat hypertension.

• Diabetes:
  • Poor blood circulation in extremities can cause cold hands and feet.
  • Increases risk of heart disease and arterial narrowing, contributing to cold extremities.
  • Nerve damage, a complication of diabetes, can cause tingling sensations in hands and feet.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD):
  • Plaque buildup in arteries can lead to blockages and cold hands and feet.
  • More common in adults over 50, especially those with diabetes or who smoke.
• Hypothyroidism:
  • Underactive thyroid can lead to cold intolerance.
  • Associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and lupus.
• Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Lack of vitamin B-12 can cause neurological symptoms, including cold extremities and numbness/tingling.

• Specialists may be consulted for suspected cold-related systemic hand diseases.
• Diagnosis of primary and secondary Raynaud's involves specific tests:
• Cold stimulation test: Measures finger response to temperature changes.
• Capillaroscopy of the nail fold: Examines nail base under a microscope for artery abnormalities.
• Blood analysis: Looks for underlying conditions or causes of secondary Raynaud's or rules out other conditions.

• Add activities that are helpful for blood flow
• Proper hand hygiene and skin care
• Wear the appropriate warm and protective hand gear
• Medication
• Steroid injections
• Surgery
• Limit or avoid the use of tobacco products
• Avoid sudden temperature changes
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Protect your hands and feet from injuries, including cuts and bruises
• Avoid caffeinated drinks

• Pain in the hands and fingers that occurs many times a day, for several days.
• Changes in skin color. Fingers may appear white, blue, or purplish.
• Thickening or stretching of the skin.
• Tingling, throbbing, numbness, or burning sensations 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.

• Clothing Choices:
  • Wear a hat, gloves, warm socks, and a coat in cold weather.
  • Dress in layers and avoid tight clothing.
  • Consider a turtleneck or scarf for extra warmth.
  • Ensure children are appropriately dressed and come indoors if they feel cold.
• Indoor Comfort:
  • Wear sweaters and warm socks indoors if feeling cold.
• Daily Exercise:
  • Engage in daily exercise, like walking, to boost blood circulation.
• Quick Warm-up:
  • Perform jumps, march in place, wiggle toes, circle feet and fingers, and make wide arm circles to stimulate blood flow.
• Regular Movement:
  • Take breaks every half hour to stretch or walk.
• Heat Therapy:
  • Use electric heating pads on lower back and feet.
  • Hold warm drinks for hand warmth.
  • Vigorously massage hands or feet for quick warmth.
• Portable Warmth:
  • Use commercial hand or foot warmers when outdoors.
  • LL Bean offers 8-hour lasting heaters.