Do you really know? Blue hands: what can you do about the cold?
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Feb 6, 2026 Cold weather affects us all differently, especially our hands and feet. Some people suffer from conditions that impair blood flow, leading to painful, numb extremities. Discover the science behind microcirculation issues like Raynaud's syndrome. Learn effective tips to keep your extremities warm despite frigid temperatures. Explore how medications and health conditions can worsen sensitivity, and find solutions to combat the chill.
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Why Extremities Get So Cold
- Vasoconstriction prioritises blood flow to vital organs and reduces flow to extremities in the cold.
- This protective response explains why hands, feet, nose and ears become extremely cold.
Medical Causes That Worsen Cold
- Multiple medical issues and drugs can worsen microcirculation problems and make extremities colder.
- Causes include beta blockers, some migraine drugs, hypothyroidism, anemia, B12 deficiency and hypertension.
How Raynaud's Presents And Varies
- Raynaud's causes brief attacks where blood flow to fingers stops, causing white then blue then red colour changes.
- Primary Raynaud's is common and benign in young people while secondary forms after 40 can signal autoimmune disease and cause ulcers.