Hot Tips For Cold Fingers (And Toes)

We're currently in the midst of a cold snap, which is particularly tough for up to 10 million of us living with Raynaud's phenomenon, says Michele O'Connor

-  Michele O'Connor

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.