It’s a condition that affects millions of people; you might just not realise you have it
Millions of people react in the same way when they get really cold. Their extremities change colour.
From your fingers to your toes, your pigmentation can change in the far reaching parts of your body in the freezing winter months. Like me, it might have worried you at one point in time. But it’s something you get used to and just accept.
The reality is that the change in colour, from your standard pigment to a dark red or a pale white, is actually the result of a disease that millions have.
That’s according to one doctor who has explained what it is and what you need to know if you suffer from the disease.
Pale white fingers is a common symptom of Reynaud’s (Getty Stock Images)
Raynaud’s disease explained
Called Raynaud’s disease, or Raynaud’s phenomenon, it shows when your extremities get cold. And that’s usually really cold, not just a little bit chilly.
“The average person can go into chilly weather and get by without gloves, their fingers would just get a bit cold,” Melisa Lai Becker, MD, told Good Morning America.
Raynaud’s is different, though. The colour changes and so does the temperature.
“If you touch their hands, you can tell the difference,” Doctor Lai Becker said. “Even in a moderately cold environment, they have white, ice-cold hands.”
According to the NHS, Raynaud’s phenomenon is where your blood stops flowing properly to your fingers and toes. It’s common and does not usually cause severe problems.
Reynaud’s is exacerbated by very cold weather (Getty Stock Images)
Raynaud’s disease symptoms
The NHS says that Raynaud’s affects your blood circulation.
“When you’re cold, anxious or stressed, your fingers and toes may change colour,” the health service explains.
Other symptoms can include pain in your fingers or toes; numbness in the region; and pins and needles.
At the same time, certain people get the above symptoms in other parts of their body including their nipples, ears, lips, and nose.
Seeing a doctor
Symptoms of Raynaud’s disease can appear on their own or for hours on end. They can also appear together or on their own.
Dr Lai Becker recommends checking the condition with a doctor if it gets to a severe point, especially on the pain scale where it is impacting your ability to carry out ordinary tasks.
It is sometimes caused by another health condition or taking certain medicines; something your doctor can check out for you.
Raynaud’s is ‘overwhelmingly more common with women and generally first discovered in adolescence,’ so says Dr. Lai Becker. Up to 20 percent of the world’s adult population suffer from Reynaud’s.
