It's common to have cold hands even when you're not in a cold environment. Usually, having cold hands is just one of the ways the body tries to control its temperature. It may not be a cause for concern.
However, always having cold hands could be a warning sign of a health problem, especially if the skin changes color. For example, having cold hands and skin color changes in extremely cold weather could be a warning sign of frostbite.
Symptoms to watch for when you have cold hands include:
- Cold feet or toes.
- Changes to the color of the skin on the hands.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Open sores or blisters.
- Tightened or hardened skin.
There are many causes of cold hands. Some aren't a cause for concern. Others may need medical treatment.
Cold hands may be caused by simply being in a cold room or other chilly place. Cold hands often are a sign that the body is trying to control its regular body temperature.
But always having cold hands could mean there's a problem with the blood flow or the blood vessels in the hands.
Make an appointment for a health checkup if you're concerned about always having cold hands. Tests may be done to learn if your cold hands are caused by a blood vessel or nerve condition. Treatment depends on the cause of your cold hands.
Show References
- Ferri FF. Raynaud phenomenon. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
- Buerger disease. Genetics and Rare Diseases Information Center. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5969/buerger-disease. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
- Wallace DJ, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
- Prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html. Accessed Feb. 29,
2024.
- Anemia symptoms. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/symptoms. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
- Peripheral neuropathy. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/complications/neuropathy/peripheral-neuropathy. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
- Scleroderma. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/scleroderma. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
- Varga J. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 29, 2024.
July 23, 2024Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cold-hands/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050648