UNBEARABLY COLD, EVEN IN THE HEAT

QI know we are in summer season, but I have Raynaud’s syndrome and constantly have cold hands and feet – and by that I mean painfully cold. I wear gloves and extra socks but it really does not seem to be enough; is there anything else I can do?

Philippa says

ARaynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where, just as you describe, the hands and feet, in particular the fingers and toes, feel cold and painful due to spasm of the arteries supplying these areas. This can occur in the cold but also if you are anxious or stressed. The areas turn white or blue and then as they warm up become red and often very painful. Wearing liner gloves and socks, or aluminium-lined gloves and socks, can be useful, but if they are not enough for you and you are being really affected by your symptoms, I would recommend contacting your GP for medical advice. A drug called nifedipine, which is a blood pressure medication, can be used to treat Raynaud’s syndrome and may be appropriate.