Cold hands, what causes them?

The autumn weather is pleasant outside but your hands are frozen. If you are aware of this situation, we have information for you on why this is so. If not, you are one of the happier ones. In cold weather, cold hands are a common manifestation of the human body. Our blood vessels narrow under the influence of the cold, so that our limbs are not well perfused. However, let's look at the reasons that can cause cold hands even in the warmer months.
 

Anemia

The term anemia is a medical condition characterized by insufficient functioning of red blood cells. It is caused by several factors - chronic diseases such as cancer or blood loss.

Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. It binds to the oxygen in the blood and carries it to cells throughout the human body that need oxygen to function properly. Cells with insufficient red blood cells do not receive oxygen, which causes a lack of energy in the human body and cold hands.
 

Diabetes

Millions of children and adults around the world suffer from diabetes. It is a chronic disease that occurs when your body cannot make enough insulin or insulin does not do its job.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and its main function is to regulate blood sugar levels, glucose. Glucose flows in the bloodstream and serves as the main source of energy for cells. In the absence of insulin, glucose remains in the blood, causing inefficient cell function and lack of energy. Too high blood sugar level damages blood vessels and nerves, resulting in cold hands.
 

Scleroderma

You are probably hearing this word for the first time. In human speech it means a disease that causes harden of the connective skin tissue. We know 2 types of scleroderma:

• localized - usually in children and affects only the skin
• systemic - most common in adult women and affects the skin and internal organs

To date the exact cause of scleroderma has not been revealed but doctors believe it is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system causes inflammation. This inflammation results in increased production of collagen in the skin and connective tissue causing cold hands and weakness.
 

Addison's disease

Otherwise known as a disease when the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough hormones. These are located just above the kidneys and produce adrenaline, norepinephrine and steroid hormones.

Lack of these hormones causes a number of symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, lack of energy and a decrease in blood pressure. Low blood pressure affects the blood circulation in the hands and feet leading to a feeling of cold hands and feet.
 

Iron deficiency

Symptoms such as brittle hair, broken nails and tics in the eyes can cause iron deficiency in the body. The body tries to balance it through the bloodstream which can lead to a change in our feeling of warmth and cold.
 

Regular use of medication

Certain drugs such as beta-blockers lower blood pressure and may cause the arteries in the hands to narrow. These can make you feel cold fingers and hands. Migraine or pain medications often have the same side effect.
 

Decreased thyroid function

People with hypothyroidism have colds more often. This is because the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones which slows down important metabolic processes. Thus, the increased sensitivity to cold is caused by reduced thyroid function.
 

How to fight cold hands?

There is no clear answer to this question. If you have symptoms of any of the above diseases we definitely recommend that you discuss the problem with your doctor. However, the problem of cold hands can also be solved by high-quality heated gloves. The technology is a fast step forward and nowadays there are many models of heated gloves on the market for various sports, but also leisure.

If you also have a problem with cold feet, we recommend that you read the article What causes cold feet?