Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
If your fingers turn white and start to hurt when you're out
in the cold, you may have a condition called Raynaud's
phenomenon. On exposing your fingers to cold, the blood
vessels close, skin turns white and their temperature drops.
When the temperature drops to 59 degrees, your body tries to
save your skin by opening the blood vessels and the skin turns
red and starts to itch and burn. If you warm your hands at this
point, your skin will not be damaged, but if you do not get out of
the cold, the blood vessels in your hands can close and the
temperature in your hands can drop to freezing, resulting in
frostbite.
People who have Raynaud's phenomenon have blood
vessels in their hands that do not open when the skin
temperature reaches 59 degrees. Several diseases, smoking
and using vibrating equipment can cause Raynaud's
phenomenon.
Wear two or more layers of gloves and mittens. When
your fingers feel cold, swing your arms very rapidly about your
shoulder with your elbow straight. This will drive blood, like a
centrifuge, into your fingers and warm them. The blood
pressure drugs called calcium channel blockers, such as
Nifidipine, can help to treat and prevent Raynaud’s phenomenon
(Rheumatology, November 2005). Another option is nitroglycerin
ointment that is used to treat angina. When applied to the
forearm, it opens blood vessels leading to the hands. Check with
your doctor to see if these prescription medications would be
appropriate for you.
September 15, 2006