Cold hands

Date Updated: 07/23/2024

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 — a condition in which the body doesn't get oxygen due to a lack of healthy red blood cells.
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.