Why are my hands and feet almost always cold?
Many factors can make your hands and feet cold. Your own body has a baseline and its natural response to cold temperatures. The most common health-related conditions that can cause coldness in your limbs are related to poor blood circulation or nerve damage in your hands or feet.
What causes bad circulation cold hands and feet?
People who experience chronic cold hands and feet may have a condition called Raynaud’s disease. This disease causes the small arteries in your hands and toes to narrow. Narrowed arteries are less capable of moving blood through your body, so you may begin experiencing symptoms of poor circulation.
Is Raynaud’s disease serious?
In rare cases, Raynaud’s can become severe. If it causes skin sores or gangrene—decay or death of body tissues—you may need antibiotics or surgery to remove the damaged tissue. In very serious cases, it might be necessary to remove the affected toe or finger.
When should I worry about cold hands?
Usually, having cold hands is just one of the ways your body tries to regulate its temperature and shouldn’t be cause for concern. However, persistently cold hands — particularly with skin color changes — could be a warning sign of nerve damage, blood flow problems, or tissue damage in the hands or fingers.
Why are my hands cold all the time?
Hands that are cold all the time may be a sign of poor circulation, a thyroid problem, anemia, or Raynaud’s phenomenon. When your hands are very cold from being outside, you can get frostbite. It’s important to warm them up slowly but as soon as possible—and know the signs of severe frostbite.
What should I do if my hands are always cold?
Cold Hands: Home Treatment
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
- Wave your arms in a circular motion to force blood out into your hands.
- Blow warm air onto cold hands.
- Tuck your hands inside clothing next to warm skin, such as your chest, belly, or armpit.
Should I see a doctor about cold hands?
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you’re concerned about persistently cold hands. Your doctor can check if your cold hands are caused by a problem with your blood flow or nerves. Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause of your cold hands.