People Who Always Have Cold Hands And Feet May Need To Watch Out For A Common Disease

Are you one of those people who always has cold hands and feet? Even when it isn't really chilly outside, or inside, do you still feel really cold?
Raynaud's disease can result in these exact symptoms and, surprisingly, as many as five percent of those in the United States have Raynaud's symptoms. 
Let's take a look at the common signs, symptoms, and causes of this disease. 
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One of the most common symptoms of Raynaud's disease is cold hands and toes. 

Your nose, ears, and nipples can be affected as well, but this happens less often. 

While Raynaud's symptoms may be worse during cold months, those who suffer from the condition may even feel frigid when they shouldn't.

Raynaud's affects women far more than men.

In fact, 80% of those with the condition are women. 

Let's take a look at the most common symptoms of the disease.

It isn't just all about feeling cold...

Fingers are most commonly affected.

In a Raynaud's attack, fingers or toes can turn pale and be accompanied by feelings of coldness or tingling. These attacks can last anywhere from minutes to hours.

Those suffering from the condition may also have situations where their hands and feet feel numb. 

Some people report that after fingers lose their color, they can turn blue. 

Here is a photo of a more extreme case of finger discoloration caused by Raynaud's. One important thing to keep in mind is that Raynaud's doesn't always involve this type of discoloration. 

The Mayo Clinic urges that it is important to seek out professional medical advice if any of the affected fingers or toes develop sores or an infection. I'll leave out pictures of this...

Let's take a look at some of the causes of Raynaud's...

One of the main issues that arise in Raynaud's is interrupted or insufficient blood flow to the extremities (fingers, toes). 

Individuals with this condition seem to have blood vessels that are 'overreactive' to cold or stress. 

During an 'attack', vasospasms occur, effectively narrowing vessels. This, as you can imagine, temporarily reduces blood flow to parts of your body. 

Over time, blood vessels can thicken, resulting in further lack of circulation. 

While some people can be born with the condition (primary Raynaud's), others can 'acquire' the condition (secondary Raynaud's).

Some lifestyle factors can influence the development of the condition. 

Smoking, carpal tunnel syndrome, and diseases of the arteries are all potential factors than can lead to Raynaud's. Interestingly, construction workers have a particularly high prevalence of the condition. Continuous use of vibrating tools may be to blame. 

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