Doctor shares warning to people whose fingers and toes change color and feel numb in the cold
A doctor and popular YouTuber has warned that people whose hands and feet change color and go numb in the cold - beyond the usual feeling of being chilly - might actually have a specific condition.
Doctor O'Donovan, a licensed doctor in the UK, shared a video offering insight to the disease which can affect certain parts of your body not only in the cold, but also sometimes in stressful situations.
Most people will have experienced cold hands or feet at some point in their lives - hopefully not right before they walk down the aisle - but this particular disease causes symptoms beyond simply 'being cold'.
What is Raynaud's disease?
Raynaud's disease, Doctor O'Donovan explained, happens when smaller arteries narrow in response to cold weather or stress, limiting blood flow to certain areas. As a result, sections of your fingers or toes can turn white, then blue. They might feel particularly cold, or start to exhibit a 'numb, prickly feeling'.
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When the blood flow improves, the affected areas might tingle or swell.
Experts don't fully understand what causes Raynaud's, though situations such as being in cold air, taking something from a freezer or putting your hands in cold water may cause it to flare up.
There are two types of Raynaud's disease - Primary Raynaud's, which is not the result of another medical condition; and Secondary Raynaud's, which develops because of another health condition such as connective tissue or artery diseases, or high blood pressure.
Secondary Raynaud's is less common, and symptoms usually appear after the age of 40.
What are the risk factors associated with Raynaud's?
In his YouTube video, O'Donovan explained that Raynaud's is more commonly associated with women. Primary Raynaud's typically develops between the ages of 15 and 30, and is more common in people who live in colder climates.
Chances of developing the disease also seem to be slightly increased if you have a family member with it.
Risk factors for Secondary Raynaud's include having one of the diseases which can result in the condition, or having a job which may result in 'repeated trauma' to the areas, such as typing a lot or using work tools that vibrate.
Smoking, as well as the use of medicines that affect the blood vessels, can also increase the risk of Secondary Raynaud's.
How can you prevent and treat Raynaud's?
People with Raynaud's can try and avoid symptoms by wrapping up warm in cold weather, with the help of a hat, scarf and gloves to keep up your body temperature.
If your symptoms appear to be worsening, O'Donovan said there are medicines that can be prescribed to help treat the condition. The doctor advised visiting a professional if symptoms worsen, or if the symptoms are affecting your daily life.
Emily Brown