Hot tips for cold fingers... and toes

The chilly winter months are particularly tough on those people living with a condition known as Raynaud’s. MICHELE O’CONNOR explains more

COLD fingers and toes are common in winter, but if you suffer badly, it could be a sign of Raynaud’s. The condition causes the small blood vessels in the fingers (and less commonly the toes, nose, nipples and ears) to be highly sensitive to changes in temperature, causing them to constrict and turn white when exposed to the cold.

“Raynaud’s is as common as hay fever but people are far less aware of it,” says Sue Farrington, Chief Executive of Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (sruk.org.uk).

So what are the best ways to manage this painful condition?

Wear thin cotton or silk gloves under mittens or thicker gloves, advises Sue. “This is far more effective than one pair of gloves because the air that’s trapped between the layers acts as an additional insulator.”

Mittens allow warm air to circulate better and also provide room for hand warmers, but it’s down to personal preference, she adds. Wear insulated gloves when using the fridge or freezer. Some people have had flare-ups in the chilled food aisles when supermarket shopping, explains Sue.

Keep gloves and socks in an airing cupboard or on a radiator so that they’re already warm when you put them on. Alternatively, blast them with a hot hairdryer.

Don’t forget about your core temperature: Several layers work better at trapping the heat than a thick jumper. And avoid ice-cold drinks.

Try silver (thread) socks. These can help to direct heat back towards the skin. It’s also worth considering self-heating gloves and socks and portable heating aids and hand warmers, which are available online and from outdoor shops.

If you do get cold, warm up carefully, warns Sue. “Never put hands and feet on radiators or plunge them into hot water. If blood returns to fingers and toes too quickly, this can be extremely painful.”

Look after your hands. Moisturise meticulously after drying them. And wear protective gloves when you put your hands in water.

Eat warming foods. Choose soup rather than a sandwich for lunch. Spicy food, ginger and garlic are believed to help symptoms.

Avoid too much caffeine – it can affect blood vessel constriction and cause Raynaud’s attacks.

Move your body. Exercise increases blood flow and helps keep you warm. Even gentle, low-impact exercises can help to get your blood pumping. Always warm up thoroughly before outdoor exercise in cold weather and wear layers and windproof/waterproof gloves/mittens for activities such as cycling.

Consider a supplement. Some people with Raynaud’s find daily supplements with vitamin C and vitamin E helpful. As antioxidants, they help keep blood vessels healthy. For others, the circulationboosting supplement ginkgo biloba reduces attacks.

Avoid certain medications. Vasoconstricting drugs (that constrict blood vessels) can worsen circulasmall

tion to areas of the body affected by Raynaud’s.

These include over-the-counter nasal decongestants, diet pills, and some medications for migraines. See your GP if you’re concerned medication is worsening symptoms.

Quit smoking, urges Sue. It constricts blood vessels.

Deal with stress. “We know stress hormones can also play a role in triggering symptoms,” says Sue. Try yoga, meditation and running to see what works for you.

See your GP. “If attacks of Raynaud’s are severe or last several hours, your GP might prescribe medication to improve blood flow to the extremities,” explains Sue.