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 or 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 . Another option is nitroglycerin
ointment, a prescription medication 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 either of these medications would be
appropriate for you.
Checked 12/20/07