Category
Raynaud's phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon makes the fingers change colour with cold or stress, turning from white to bluish and, on recovery, to red. In most people it is benign, but it is worth distinguishing it from other conditions that also cause cold or blue hands.
In this section you will find articles on Raynaud's and related disorders —acrocyanosis, chilblains, cold and blue hands— to know when it is normal and when to seek advice. More on its assessment on the Raynaud's phenomenon page.
Acrocyanosis: why hands and feet turn bluish
Bluish, cold but painless hands and feet: it's almost always benign acrocyanosis. Why it happens, how it differs from Raynaud's, and when to see a doctor.
Cold, purple hands: why it happens and when to worry
Do your hands turn cold and purple in the cold? The most common causes (Raynaud's, acrocyanosis) and when a vascular assessment is worthwhile.
Chilblains on the Fingers: Why They Appear and How to Prevent Them
Chilblains are red-purple lesions that itch and hurt after cold exposure. Why they appear, how to prevent them, and when they may signal an underlying problem.