Health Information Library

Definition

It's common to have cold hands even when you're not in a cold environment. Usually, having cold hands is just one of the ways the body tries to control its temperature. It may not be a cause for concern.

However, always having cold hands could be a warning sign of a health problem, especially if the skin changes color. For example, having cold hands and skin color changes in extremely cold weather could be a warning sign of frostbite.

Symptoms to watch for when you have cold hands include:

• Cold feet or toes.
• Changes to the color of the skin on the hands.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Open sores or blisters.
• Tightened or hardened skin.

Causes

There are many causes of cold hands. Some aren't a cause for concern. Others may need medical treatment.

Cold hands may be caused by simply being in a cold room or other chilly place. Cold hands often are a sign that the body is trying to control its regular body temperature.

But always having cold hands could mean there's a problem with the blood flow or the blood vessels in the hands.

Health conditions that can cause cold hands include:

• Anemia
• Buerger disease
• Diabetes
• Frostbite
• Lupus
• Raynaud's disease
• Scleroderma

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment for a health checkup if you're concerned about always having cold hands. Tests may be done to learn if your cold hands are caused by a blood vessel or nerve condition. Treatment depends on the cause of your cold hands.