However, doctors warn that the persistence or recurrence of this symptom may be an early indication of a more serious medical condition.
Cardiologist Dr. Sam Firozi confirms that cold extremities are a natural response to low temperatures, as the small blood vessels in the hands and feet constrict to reduce heat loss and maintain core body temperature. However, some people may overreact to this response, causing blood flow to the fingers and toes to decrease more than necessary, leading to Raynaud's phenomenon.
This condition usually manifests as a clear change in the color of the fingers or toes, which may turn white and then blue before returning to redness when blood circulation returns.
Firozi emphasizes the need to pay attention to any abnormal changes in the color of the tips or the shape of the nails, especially if it takes a long time to return to their normal state.
He says: "If the discoloration persists for a long time or you notice a permanent change in the nails, it is important to consult a doctor to assess the condition."
Those with Raynaud's phenomenon may experience burning or throbbing pain in their extremities, along with numbness, which can last from a few minutes to several hours. In some cases, other areas such as the ear, nose, or lips can also be affected.
Medical references indicate that Raynaud's may occur as a separate condition or as a result of other health conditions such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. It may also appear due to certain types of medication or in people who use vibrating devices for long periods.
Doctors advise people experiencing recurring symptoms to track changes in their extremities and even take photos during attacks to compare and discuss with their doctor later. They also emphasize the importance of keeping hands and feet warm.
In severe cases, drugs that help widen blood vessels, such as calcium channel blockers, may be used, while surgery is resorted to in very rare cases when other options fail, in order to disable the sympathetic nerve responsible for narrowing the blood vessels in the limbs