If you feel like your extremities are often cold, you may wonder if you should see a doctor. Jay Bishop , MD. Bishop says. An affected finger may turn white because the artery is closed , then it may turn blue or purple and, as it rewarms, it may turn red because the artery is now wide open and dilated.
If your doctor has ruled out any serious problems, keep in mind that the feeling of uncomfortably chilly fingers or toes often varies by the person. Cold hands and feet — especially in older people — also can be caused by PAD, which occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked as plaque gradually forms inside the artery walls. PAD can affect people age 50 or older with a history of diabetes or smoking, while anyone age 70 or older generally should be screened.
When it comes to safeguarding your health, watch for new symptoms that persist, Dr. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. What are meningitis and septicaemia? Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord the meninges. It is usually caused by infection with germs bacteria or viruses. Septicaemia sepsis is an infection of the blood with bacteria blood poisoning.
If bacteria multiply and release poisons toxins into the blood, it can cause serious illness. So a person with meningitis could have: Symptoms and signs of meningitis 15 in cases. Symptoms and signs of septicaemia 25 in cases, or one quarter. Symptoms and signs of both meningitis and septicaemia 60 in cases. Meningitis can occur at any age but is most common in children and young people. Are you protected against flu?
Related Information Should you vaccinate your family against meningitis? The meningitis and sepsis warning signs everyone should know. Video: How do you get bacterial meningitis? Should you vaccinate your family against meningitis? Join the discussion on the forums. Health Tools Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker. Pe ripheral artery disease PAD affects an estimated one third of people over 50 years old who have diabetes mellitus. PAD typically causes arterial wall damage in the lower extremities when buildup of plaque on the walls of blood vessels causes them to narrow. If you have any of these symptoms, along with cold hands and feet, see your doctor. Treating arterial disease early can lead to a better outcome. Also, if you have nerve damage, check your feet carefully for wounds that you might not feel, but could become infected.
It affects more women than men, and is common over age Feeling cold is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, dry skin, thinning hair, and depression.
A doctor can determine if you have hypothyroidism with blood testing. The main treatment is a synthetic hormone supplement, taken daily. It results from the narrowing of arteries in your hands or feet, which stops the blood from having normal circulation.
When your blood circulation becomes normal, your hands may tingle, throb, or swell. A vitamin B deficiency can give you neurological symptoms including the feeling of cold hands and feet, numbness, or tingling. Vitamin B is found naturally in meat and dairy products, and is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells.
A blood test can indicate vitamin B deficiency. Treatments can include your taking an oral supplement, receiving vitamin B injections, and changes to your diet. Smoking tobacco causes injury to your blood vessels throughout the body, which then become narrowed, and can contribute to cold fingers and toes. Over time, smoking can damage the blood vessels in your heart, making it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body.
This especially affects your legs and feet. Get help to quit smoking. There are trained professionals, therapies , and even apps that can help you monitor your own progress. Other factors that may lead to cold hands and feet include your age, family history, and some medications.
In addition:. Babies lose body heat more rapidly in the cold because they have a large body surface area compared to their weight. They may not have a lot of fat under their skin as insulation. Also, their natural body temperature regulation is not fully developed. Older people lose the ability to regulate their body temperature well. The metabolism tends to slow with age, and this can contribute as well.
They may have an increased risk of cold extremities because of chronic conditions and medications. If you have cold hands and feet all the time, no matter what the weather is outside or temperature around you, see your doctor.
There may be an underlying disease or condition that needs to be treated.
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