Cold hands

With the cold season they come too: they cold hands. Most of the time women complain Ice handsas soon as the temperatures drop a little. But behind the symptom that almost everyone suffers from, there can also be serious causes.

What are cold hands?

From the palms of the hands to the fingertips, the cold causes tingling, pain and numbness. Cold hands are a sign of poor blood circulation in muscles.

It is not for nothing that a “warm handshake” means a friendly and pleasant greeting, but it is completely different with cold hands, they are generally perceived as uncomfortable. From the palms of the hands to the fingertips, the cold causes tingling, pain and numbness.

Often only individual parts of the hand are affected, for example the little fingers. The cold hands are visible in blue fingernails and sometimes in a strong reddening of the skin. If the hands are very hypothermic, it can even lead to numbness.

causes

Cold hands are a sign of poor blood circulation in muscles. This is also the reason why women are more likely to be affected by cold hands than men, they have less warming muscles than men.

Blood pressure also plays a crucial role: If the body is not supplied with enough blood, this can manifest itself in cold hands, among other things. The most common cause of low blood pressure is cold. In order to be able to supply the heart region with sufficient blood and oxygen even in the cold, the body reduces its energy consumption and the vessels narrow in the less important regions of the body, i.e. the extremities.

As a result, very little warming blood flows through the fingers - they get cold. This is a natural reaction of the body and is not dangerous under normal circumstances. As soon as the ambient temperature rises again, the vessels widen, blood can flow through and the hands warm. This process is often accompanied by a tingling sensation, which, depending on the intensity, can be slightly painful.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for cold feet and hands

Diseases with this symptom

• Mineral deficiency
• Scleroderma
• arteriosclerosis
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

• Raynaud's Syndrome
• trauma
• Meningitis
• Hypothermia (frostbite)

• Iron deficiency
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes mellitus

Diagnosis & course

However, if cold hands are frequently observed, without a cold ambient temperature being the cause, those affected should definitely observe this, because frequent circulatory disorders in the hands can have serious health causes.

On the one hand, lifestyle has a direct influence on the composition of blood vessels and arteries. Frequent alcohol consumption, smoking, fatty foods, little exercise, and stress can cause the blood vessels and arteries in the hands and arms to constrict. In smokers in particular, blood clots can also develop on the vascular walls, the so-called thromboses, which in the worst case can lead to vascular occlusion, also called embolism by doctors.

If there are no clots, the circulatory disorders can also be caused by pinched nerves or blood vessels. If this is the case, patients often suffer from cold fingers and pain that can range from the shoulder to the arms to the fingertips.

Other causes can be a generally low blood pressure, which does not supply the hands with sufficient blood, small tumors, a weak heart muscle, the use of antihypertensive agents, an underactive thyroid or even diabetes. In any case, if you have cold hands on a regular basis, you should consult a doctor to determine the exact cause.

Complications

Cold hands, if left untreated, lead to a feeling of numbness. Grasping or holding onto objects is difficult or impossible. Often there is a feeling of coldness and discomfort throughout the body. The complaints can lead to withdrawal behavior or shame, as many people feel uncomfortable shaking hands when greeting another person. In addition to the numbness in the hands, the hands may look pale or painful.

If the cold hands are not caused by a frosty environment, a serious illness can be hidden behind them. Raynoud syndrome or other vascular diseases are possible diseases. In some cases, autoimmune diseases, a thrombus, lump or tumor are other complications that can occur.

When treating cold hands, it should be noted that cold hands can have psychosomatic causes that are often overlooked. In addition to physical symptoms, stress, anxiety, or depression should be taken into account. Treatment of cold hands can lead to an existing eating disorder or pain disorder not being taken into account.

Prescribing ointments or medication to stimulate blood flow can cause side effects. Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are possible. If the hormone balance is disrupted, further complications, such as contraception, must be taken into account.

When should you go to the doctor?

Cold hands are usually harmless and do not necessarily need medical attention. However, if there are accompanying symptoms in addition to the cold limbs, there may be a serious underlying disease. A visit to the doctor is recommended if the hands are not only cold, but also show a noticeable paleness. Bluish or red discolored fingers indicate a vascular disorder that requires treatment.

Swelling, numbness and pain can have various causes and must also be clarified. A quick visit to the doctor is advisable in the event of dizziness and paralysis, as these symptoms can indicate a neurological disease or even a stroke. Changes in the skin on other parts of the body indicate a cold allergy. Sometimes, however, there is also an anxiety disorder that manifests itself in cold hands and sweating.

Rapid medical diagnosis is required in any case. If suddenly cold hands are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating, the emergency doctor must be called immediately. It may be a heart attack or other serious condition that needs prompt treatment.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Depending on what the actual cause of the cold hands is, the doctor will develop and implement a suitable therapy option in cooperation with the respective specialist.

If it is only a question of a low circulation, even small, circulation-stimulating measures such as alternating showers, massages and a lot of exercise in the fresh air can help to get the circulation going and avoid cold hands. If the hands do get cold, warm drinks and a warm environment help to thaw the fingers again.

Outlook & forecast

In most cases, cold hands occur due to low temperatures. This is a common symptom that does not need to be treated by a doctor. When the heat is applied, the hands become warm again and there are no further complaints.

If the cold hands persist for a long time, a doctor should be consulted. These can be disorders of the blood circulation and the circulatory system, which usually will not go away on their own. Especially smokers and alcohol addicts are severely affected by this symptom and must definitely limit their consumption.

Cold hands usually also lead to cold fingers. The extremities can be damaged in the long term, so that there may be restricted mobility. Diabetes can also be a cause of cold hands.

The treatment is always based on the underlying disease and is successful in most cases. Mainly massages and alternating showers are used to stimulate blood circulation. A healthy lifestyle also helps to prevent the symptom and avoid cold hands.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for cold feet and hands

prevention

As a general prevention against cold hands, a healthy lifestyle is recommended: plenty of exercise, healthy eating and refraining from smoking and alcohol. Gloves should always be on hand to protect your hands from the cold air, especially in the cold season. When working quietly at the desk, joint warmers on the wrists also help to keep the fingers nice and warm.

You can do that yourself

As a rule, cold hands develop due to a lack of iron. An undersupply of vitamin B affects the blood flow to the extremities. Accordingly, those affected should consume iron-rich and vitamin B-rich foods. If you get cold hands due to stress or tension, various relaxation exercises can help. Yoga is particularly worth mentioning here. Occasionally, a warm and relaxing bath helps. This promotes blood flow to the hands.

In addition, cold hands can be warmed up with spices. Fresh ginger should not be missing on any menu. Ginger is not only healthy, it also gives you new energy. To counteract cold hands, two cups of ginger tea a day are ideal. Cinnamon and chilli have the same effect. Chili powder gives the food a certain spiciness, which dilates the blood vessels. Alternatively, those affected can add a little chilli to hot water and eat it. The skin warms up immediately.

There are numerous measures to choose from that quickly help against cold hands. The rubbing of hands together is noteworthy here. Your hands will warm up immediately. In order to warm up the hands quickly, it is recommended to sit on the hands or place them in the armpits. Cold hands can be warmed up quickly with exercises and massages. The movement of arms and shoulders is suitable here. This promotes blood flow as well. The shoulders must be rolled extensively. Then those affected let their arms beat like a windmill.