Raynaud's phenomenon: why do my hands always get cold?

A defense mechanism against low temperatures. But it can also be the consequence of certain pathologies, such as thyroid problems and diabetes.

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Hands get cold in winter and when temperatures drop for various reasons. The mechanism is this: vasoconstriction, which narrows the small arteries that run close to the skin's surface.

RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON

It's, therefore, a self-defense mechanism of our body that makes our extremities, hands, and feet, cold , and accentuates their paleness. It's a common, benign symptom that doesn't lead to any complications. However, there are other cases in which cold hands are indicative of other, specific pathologies.

READ ALSO: Cracked Hands from the Cold: The Best Remedies

WHY HANDS ALWAYS GET COLD

Raynaud's syndrome, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a chilly feeling in the hands and feet, accompanied by a change in color, in cold temperatures or even in the presence of emotional stress . In this case, vasoconstriction is excessive, beyond what the body needs for self-protection. The color of the hands and feet changes from normal, and the pain characteristic of this condition develops. White indicates a closed artery; red indicates an open and dilated artery; and purplish-blue indicates a warming phase of the hands and feet.

HYPOTHOROYDISM

Cold hands and feet, also caused by excessive vasoconstriction of the small arteries, may be linked to a malfunctioning thyroid. In this case, other symptoms accompany cold hands and feet : pallor, weakness, chronic pain, and weight gain.

DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus can also cause cold hands and feet. This phenomenon occurs in patients taking beta-blockers. Some scientific research shows that many people with diabetes suffer from neuropathy or nerve damage that can lead to cold hands and feet.

HEART DISEASE

A connection between cold hands and feet and some heart disease that causes poor circulation cannot be ruled out . Cold hands at times when the temperature isn't ideal can be a symptom of heart failure. And in this case, it shouldn't be underestimated.

CONNECTIVITY DISEASE

If your doctor even suspects a link between Raynaud's phenomenon and a possible connective tissue disease, it's advisable to perform a capillaroscopy. This is a non-invasive test that analyzes the shape of the capillaries in the cuticles of the fingers and allows for the detection of very early signs of systemic sclerosis.

WHY FEET GET COLD

The sensation of cold feet can be linked to peripheral arterial disease, when the lumen of the arteries is narrowed by the presence of fatty plaques, which in turn are symptoms of atherosclerosis.

WHAT ARE CHILBLAS?

Chilblains are nodules that form on the skin and range in color from red to purple, sometimes even dark blue. The main cause is undoubtedly low temperatures and exposure to cold, but hereditary factors cannot be ruled out. Chilblains cause itching and cracking of the skin. leather, which in turn can lead to infections. Another factor against which it is important to protect oneself is a sudden change from cold to hot, and vice versa.

READ MORE: Cold hands and feet: causes and remedies

HOW TO PROTECT COLD HANDS

If your hands tend to get cold in low temperatures, protect them with a few very simple precautions:

  • Use gloves
  • No you smoke and don't overdo it with alcohol
  • Avoid contact with cold objects
  • Reduce your consumption of caffeine, a vasoconstrictor
  • Do physical activity aimed at warming up your hands and feet
  • Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables 

REMEDIES FOR SEASONAL ILLNESSES:

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