The UK is experiencing a sharp drop in temperatures this week, prompting health authorities to issue cold weather warnings. While it is normal for hands and feet to feel chilly in cold conditions, persistent coldness could indicate an underlying health issue.
Dr Sam Firoozi, a consultant interventional cardiologist at HCA Healthcare UK’s The Harley Street Clinic, explains that the autonomic nervous system regulates blood flow to extremities. In cold weather, it constricts small blood vessels to preserve body heat, but an exaggerated response can cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, leading to white or blue discolouration and pain.
Raynaud’s can be associated with autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, or result from nerve injuries. Certain medications, such as beta blockers, may also trigger it. Symptoms include extreme discolouration that takes a long time to resolve, burning pain, numbness, and throbbing.
Dr Firoozi advises seeking medical advice if you experience permanent discolouration or changes in fingertips or nails. He recommends taking photos of any changes to show your GP. Keeping hands warm with gloves, heated gels, or special gloves can help, and severe cases may require medication or surgery.
