Why Are My Hands Always Cold?

Occasionally, we all have experienced cold hands when we are exposed to chilly weather conditions. This is absolutely normal. It happens, as the body tries to regulate its temperature. Here, the warmth of the hands is restored naturally once you move indoors.

However, if it continues all the time, then it is a matter of concern. At such times, you might often ask the question, "Why are my hands always cold?" Well, some of its causes are given below, go through the paragraphs.

• The natural mechanism of the body enable us to keep the hands, feet, and other vital organs warm with the help of constant supply of blood throughout the body.
• When, due to some reasons, the normal blood flow is restricted, then it leads to cold hands.

• It can be a symptom of Raynaud's disease. In this condition, the smaller arteries of the body that are present in the fingers contract abnormally when there is mild drop in temperature or even after touching of a cold object.
• As a result, blood flow to the gets affected, and they become cold.

• It can happen to other parts of the body too where small-sized arteries are present, that include toes, tip of the nose and ears, etc.
• Here, the hands go numb and skin discoloration may also occur. Women are at a higher risk of having Raynaud's syndrome, than men.

• If you started experiencing the symptoms of cold hands soon after going out in extremely low temperature without wearing gloves, then it is likely that you have got frostbite.

• It can be identified with change in the skin color, which often turns blue, black, or gray, hardening of the skin and formation of blisters.
• It is a kind of skin damage caused by the freezing temperature. However, if it is prolonged exposure, then underlying blood vessels may get damaged too.

• Mental stress can trigger this condition too. When you are under too much of stress, then the nervous system responds to the stress by narrowing down the blood vessels that are present in the extreme ends of the body.
• Those who get panic attacks quite frequently tend to have cold, sweaty, and clammy hands all the time.

• Diabetic patients suffer nerve damage, which is known as peripheral neuropathy that gives rise to cold extremities. In this condition, cold hands and feet are accompanied by numbness, tingling, and burning sensation.

• This problem can be an indication of problem in the circulatory system. Peripheral vascular disease that causes blockage in arteries often leads to this condition.
• Those who are into habits of excessive smoking, tend to have blood circulation problem as the blood vessels get constricted.
• Other causes are hypothyroidism, anemia and side effects of medicines.

As some of the causes are quite serious, it is advisable that you see your doctor once. If it is not a serious issue, then they may suggest a few lifestyle changes. In cold weather condition, doctors advise such patients to wear warm gloves. Smokers should quit smoking.

Proper stress management is a must to restore normal blood flow to all parts of the body. Wearing tight clothing, particularly in the upper part of the body needs to be avoided. Frostbites heal up with proper care. You have to keep them clean and dry all the time, and avoid rubbing or pressing them.

Keep the affected hand in an elevated position as much as possible to ensure faster healing. If it is caused by any other underlying health disorder, then it has to be treated with suitable medicines in order to get rid of this problem. Diabetic patients need to control blood sugar level. 

Anemia patients are prescribed with supplements of iron and vitamin C. Raynaud's disease is often treated with calcium channel blocker medicines.

You should definitely not ignore the problem. It can be cured with proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.