Why Are My Hands Always Cold?

15 November 2018

Cold hands are quite normal even in warm temperatures, as they are a sign that your body is working as it should to regulate its temperature. Persistent cold hands however are more of a concern, and if you find your hands staying cold for a significant amount of time along with other troublesome symptoms, it may be a sign that you need to start asking questions.

Living with Cold Hands
Cold hands are often nothing to worry about, and buying the right products can make living easier

If you are starting to ask questions, we would recommend that you don't panic as persistent cold hands are still fairly common. This article explains the reasons why some people suffer from cold hands, what it could mean, and the steps you can take to make living with cold hands easier.

What Can Cause Cold Hands?

Cold hands are caused by your blood vessels constricting in your hands and fingers. This is a natural response to the cold, but could be a sign of other conditions, including:

Peripheral artery disease
Scleroderma
Iron deficiency anemia
Hypothyroidism
Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Underactive thyroid

If you're young and healthy and don't have any other symptoms besides cold fingers, you are extremely unlikely to have one of the former conditions. However, you may have Raynaud's disease, a common condition that is estimated to affect up to two million people across the UK.

Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease can be diagnosed when your fingers change colour to white or blue whenever you experience a change in temperature. This is accompanied by a stinging, numbing, or tingling sensation that may last anywhere between a few minutes and an hour.

This again is usually not anything to worry about unless you are older than 30 or suffer from other health problems. Raynaud's will usually go away on its own, and you can alleviate the symptoms by wearing the correct attire to warm your hands and feet. If you are worried, you can visit a doctor who will be able to diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment if necessary.

Should I See a Doctor About Cold Hands?

You shouldn't see a doctor about your cold hands if you're young and healthy, and aren't suffering any other symptoms alongside pain. Some of the following symptoms are warning signs and it's recommended that you visit your GP if you experience any of them with your cold hands:

Thickening and tightening of the skin
Poorly healing sores and cracks on fingers and toes
Fatigue
Weight changes
Fever
Joint pain
Rashes
White and blue fingers that are getting worse
Pain that lasts for longer episodes during each occurrence

How Can I Make Living Easier?

You can take a few home-based steps to make living with cold hands and Raynaud's easier. This ranges from wearing the correct clothes to lifestyle changes. Steps we would recommend that you take include:

Keep your hands and feet warm and dry
Warm your hands and feet with water or a radiator
Wear multiple layers of loose clothing
Don't use air conditioning
Don't smoke
Exercise regularly
Wear gloves when handling frozen food

What Can I Buy to Help?

Gloves, Mittens, Hand Warmers and Electronic Devices all work exceptionally well in keeping your hands warm. You can also buy Heated Cushions and Heated Pads that let you sit back and relax while the cold part of your body is warmed. If your hands get cold about the house or at work, then Fingerless Gloves are a great way of retaining dexterity while maintaining warm and cosy fingers.

Raynaud's Disease Fingerless Silver Gloves

As mentioned above, fingerless gloves are a fantastic way to keep warm while retaining freedom of movement. The Raynaud's Disease Fingerless Silver Gloves are embedded with pure natural silver, which has the dual purpose of ensuring longevity, dexterity and warmth. Their fingerless design is ideal for office workers or use about the house.

Raynaud's Disease Fingerless Silver Gloves

Eggsercizer Hand Exerciser

Blood circulation is a major of cause of cold hands, as blood vessels constrict when they are receptive to a change in body temperature. The Eggsercizer Hand Exerciser lets you get your pulse pumping, enabling a wide range of different finger and hand exercises that promises to both warm your hands and ward off a Raynaud's disease attack. By placing the eggs in warm water, the eggs will stay warm and transmit a comforting heat that returns the colour to your hands.

Eggsercizer Hand Exerciser

Hotteeze Hand Warmer Deluxe Winter Bundle

For sufferers who are getting fed up with their cold hands and really want to nip it in the bud over winter, the Hotteeze Hand Warmer Deluxe Winter Bundle combines 10 hand warming pads and some silver gloves that work together to provide instant heat relief wherever you are.

The Hotteeze Hand Warmer is placed on the body and provides a comfortable heat that can last for up to 10 hours at a time. They can be tucked into your gloves, which is why we offer the Raynaud's Disease Deluxe Silver Gloves with the Hotteeze Hand Warmers at a discounted price in this special deal. Help keep your hands warm when they need it most.

Hotteeze Hand Warmer Deluxe Winter Bundle

Living With Your Cold Hands

Living with cold hands can be made easy, and remember that although there is usually no reason to worry, you can always visit your GP if you are worried about it. Symptoms that accompany your cold hands can be a sign of something more significant, so we would always recommend talking to a professional if this is the case. Otherwise, we have plenty of Gloves and Electronics that are designed to keep your hands warm when the cold starts to bite.

If you have a question or anything to add, please leave us a comment or find us on Facebook or Twitter!