Every time hands turn red in cold weatherit is a common and natural reaction of the body to low temperatures. However, it is not always a simple, harmless response.
When the cold turns into aggressive factor for the skinother symptoms and conditions may occur and require medical attention. Science offers a detailed explanation of reasons for change in skin color of hands during the winter.
Why do hands turn red?
When the temperature drops, The body responds to conserve body heat and protect vital organs. This is achieved by vasoconstrictionwhich reduces blood flow to peripheral areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.
This process allows less heat to be lost through the skin. The processes are as follows:
- Vasoconstriction and redness: Cold causes blood vessels in the hands to narrow to reduce heat loss. When blood flow decreases, the hands may initially become pale or bluish, and when circulation is restored, they take on a reddish tint.
- Hyperemic phase: When circulation returns after exposure to cold, the skin turns red due to the sudden return of oxygenated blood to the affected areas, an effect known as the hyperemic phase.
Conditions associated with redness of the hands
Besides the normal redness, Various conditions can worsen this reaction to cold.leading to more serious symptoms or even dangerous reactions. Here are some of the most common:
frostbite
Frostbite is small, red, painful areas that usually appear on the hands and feet when exposed to cold. This reaction is caused by a inflammation of small blood vessels on the skin due to repeated exposure to cold, humid air.
- Symptoms: red, itchy skin, sometimes accompanied by blisters or ulcers in the affected area.
- Complications: If frostbite is not treated properly, it can lead to infections.
- Prevention and treatment: avoid exposure to cold and use creams to relieve inflammation and protect the skin.
Cold urticaria
THE cold urticaria is a allergic reaction which occurs a few minutes after exposure to low temperatures. This condition can vary in severity, from simple hives to swelling of areas such as the lips and throat, making it difficult to breathe in severe cases.
- Serious reactions: In cases of severe urticaria, symptoms of hives may occur. anaphylaxis including fainting, increased heart rate and shock.
- Precautionary measures: In people suffering from cold urticaria, it is essential to avoid exposure to low temperatures and in some cases the use of antihistamines is recommended.
Raynaud’s phenomenon
He Raynaud’s phenomenon This is a disorder that affects circulation in the extremities, causing pain and color changes in the fingers and toes. East a response to cold or stresswhich causes extreme contraction of blood vessels, thereby restricting blood flow.
Raynaud’s phenomenon manifests itself as a sequence of color changes, beginning with pallor due to lack of blood, followed by cyanosis (bluish color) and ending with redness when blood returns to the area.
THE The Raynaud types are:
- Primary: unrelated to other diseases.
- Secondary: associated with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or scleroderma.
The importance of protecting skin and hands in winter
The cold not only affects circulation, but can also cause dehydration of the skinincreasing the risk of redness and other dermatological problems. Here are some recommendations to protect your hands in cold weather:
- Use gloves: Gloves are essential to avoid direct contact with the cold.
- Moisturize the skin regularly: Using moisturizers helps maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes: Sudden changes from cold to hot can intensify redness and cause discomfort.
If your hands turn red: When is it advisable to consult a specialist?
Although temporary redness of the hands It’s usually harmlessin some cases, this may indicate a more serious problem. It is recommended to consult a specialist if:
- The redness is persistent and does not disappear when warmed up.
- Additional symptoms appear, such as severe pain, swelling or blisters.
- There is a history of cold urticaria or Raynaud’s phenomenon.
