It may indicate a serious health issue that experts advise you not to ignore if your hands or feet are turning color when exposed to cold.
Feeling a bit cold is typical as the weather drops. But if your hands and feet turn white, blue, or even purple in cold weather, you may be suffering from more than simply winter pain.
Dr. James O’Donovan, who provides medical advice to his over 400,000 YouTube followers, believes that Raynaud’s illness, a condition that can make some body parts feel numb in reaction to stress or cold weather, may be the cause.
In his YouTube video, he also stated, “In Raynaud’s disease, the smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow in response to triggers like cold weather. This limits blood flow to the affected areas which is called vasospasm and then results in symptoms of Raynaud’s.”
Signs and symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the affected skin usually turns pale at first, then changes color before becoming numb and chilly.
Symptoms include:
chilly fingers or toes.
patches of skin that turn blue after initially turning white. These color changes may be harder or easier to notice depending on the hue of your skin.
Warmth or a reduction in tension might cause numb, prickly, or stinging pain.
In terms of symptoms, “the first thing that you’re likely to notice are the areas of your skin that can turn white then blue, depending on your skin color,” says Dr. O’Donovan.
“You may notice that your fingers or toes are extremely cold, or you may notice other changes in the sensation of your hands or feet, such as a numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain.” “These color changes may be harder or easier to see.”
He notes that although the cause of this has not yet been identified by studies, it typically disappears when the hands and/or feet warm up again.
The afflicted areas may change color once more, throb, tickle, or swell as the skin warms and blood flow improves.”Now, even after you’ve warmed up, it can take up to 15 minutes for blood flow to return to the area,” he added, adding that other body parts including the nose, lips, and ears may also feel numbness or a change in color.
The kinds of Raynaud
Although both primary and secondary types of Raynaud’s illness cause your fingers and toes to turn different colors in the cold, there are some important distinctions between the two conditions.
The most prevalent and usually mild type is primary Raynaud’s illness. It occurs independently and isn’t connected to any other medical problem. Many people who have primary Raynaud’s disease are unaware of their symptoms and never require medical attention. In certain cases, it even gradually vanishes.
Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon: Caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a vascular disease, autoimmune disease, or nerve affliction, this type is less common but usually more severe. To prevent problems, secondary Raynaud’s disease may require medical intervention, unlike first Raynaud’s disease.
When to seek medical advice
O’Donovan suggests consulting a physician if:
The symptoms are limited to one side of the body.
You also have joint pain, skin rashes, or weak muscles.
Fingers or toes get discolored with time.
You have open wounds, severe pain, or signs of an infection.
You have a history of diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune illnesses.
Always prioritize your health, and if you suspect something is wrong, consult your physician. Please share this story so that others are aware of what to look out for!
