What it actually means if one of your fingers turns white when it’s cold
The weather has been freezing recently, so chances are your hands have been cold, but when should you worry?
If you can't warm your hands or feet up no matter what you do, and your fingers go bright white, it could be a symptom of a condition.
Are you the person who sits wearing gloves in the office, pleading with the bosses to turn the air conditioning down in the middle of summer?
Or maybe you cling to the radiator at home trying to warm your hands up to no avail.
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Some people try holding warm cups of coffee or buy heated gloves to try and keep their extremities warm, but it could be more than just the cold weather.
The condition is known as Raynaud's disease, and it happens when the smaller blood vessels that supply blood to the skin narrow, restricting the blood flow.
This narrowing of the vessels is referred to as vasospasm.
As well as looking odd, it can also cause pain, numbness, and the pins and needles sensation.
It can also be known as Raynaud's phenomenon or Raynaud syndrome, but they are all the same thing.
Interestingly, women are more likely than men to experience the condition.
Just another fun thing we can add to the list!
It is also more commonly reported in people who live in colder climates.
According to the NHS, sometimes skin can even go blue if the vessels contract enough, and can then turn red and feel painful or like it is burning as the blood flow eventually returns.
As well as fingers and toes, some people also experience the phenomenon in their ears, nose, lips, and even in their nipples. Ouch.
The NHS says it can also be caused by some medication, or by working with vibrating tools for a long time.
They have some recommendations for easing your symptoms, which include keeping your home warm, wearing warm clothes on your hands and feet during winter, and regular exercise to aid your circulation.
They also recommend yoga and breathing exercises for relaxation, as stress can worsen symptoms.
It's bad news if you're a smoker who loves a coffee too, as quitting smoking can also improve your circulation, and doctors have found that too much caffeine can also trigger the symptoms.
It is advised to see a doctor if Raynaud's is affecting your daily life, if you experience it for the first time over the age of 30, or if your child is under 12 and is showing symptoms of it.
Treatment can including taking a medication to improve circulation.
Topics: Health, Women's Health, NHS, Weather
Jen Thomas