Why Do My Fingers Itch and Turn Red When Exposed to Cold?

When fingers come into contact with cold objects, they may become red and itchy?

Doctor, for the past three days, my finger joints have felt very stiff.
In the morning, when I first touch water after getting up, it feels itchy like frostbite for about a few minutes.
After that, washing my hands is fine, but if I come into contact with something cold, my hands immediately start to turn red and itch.
What could be the problem, and which specialist should I see? Thank you.

Sharon, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/06

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Dermatology or Rheumatology.

Reply Date: 2020/08/06

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing—itching and redness in your fingers when exposed to cold—could be indicative of a condition known as cold urticaria or Raynaud's phenomenon. Both conditions are related to how your body reacts to cold temperatures, but they have different underlying mechanisms.

Cold Urticaria is a type of physical urticaria (hives) that occurs when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures. The reaction can include redness, swelling, and itching, and it can occur within minutes of exposure to cold. This condition is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin, leading to an inflammatory response. Symptoms can vary in severity and may include wheals (raised, itchy welts) on the skin.

Raynaud's Phenomenon, on the other hand, is a vascular condition where blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict excessively in response to cold or stress. This can lead to symptoms such as color changes (white, blue, and then red), numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas. The fingers may feel cold and may itch as blood flow returns to the area after warming up.
Given your description of tightness in the finger joints and the specific reaction to cold, it would be prudent to consult either a dermatologist or a rheumatologist. A dermatologist can help assess for skin-related issues like cold urticaria, while a rheumatologist can evaluate for underlying autoimmune conditions that might contribute to your symptoms, such as Raynaud's or other forms of arthritis.

In addition to these conditions, your symptoms could also be related to environmental factors, such as working in a cold environment (as mentioned in your previous queries about working in a cake factory). Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to discomfort and exacerbate any underlying conditions.
To manage your symptoms, consider the following recommendations:
1. Keep Warm: Wear gloves or mittens when exposed to cold environments. Keeping your hands warm can help prevent the onset of symptoms.

2. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes: Try to avoid sudden exposure to cold water or cold objects. Gradually warming your hands can help reduce the risk of a reaction.

3. Consult a Specialist: As mentioned, seeing a dermatologist or rheumatologist can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment options. They may recommend antihistamines if cold urticaria is diagnosed or other medications if Raynaud's phenomenon is suspected.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve circulation and overall vascular health, which may help mitigate symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, they can often be managed effectively with the right approach and medical guidance. It is essential to seek professional advice to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Similar Q&A

Why Do My Fingers Swell After Contacting Cold Objects?

Hello doctor, after coming into contact with cold objects or being in a cold environment, my fingers swell up. Sometimes, even in summer, if I get splashed by rain, they will also swell, accompanied by warmth and itching. I've had this since childhood and have already consul...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
It should be a type of urticaria; please seek medical attention for confirmation.

Why Does Winter Cause Redness on Your Face and Nose?

During winter, the skin on the cheeks and nose can easily become red due to several factors. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, leading to increased blood flow and redness. Additionally, dry air from indoor heating can strip moisture from the ...

Dr. Zheng Lizhen reply Dermatology
In winter, the lower temperatures cause the superficial blood vessels to constrict, which leads to the dilation of deeper blood vessels due to congestion (similar to how a water pipe appears when someone steps on it in a cartoon). This is why the skin appears red!

Understanding Cold Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions

I would like to ask, whenever the weather gets cold, my hands and feet become cold, and sometimes they even turn purple. I would like to know the reason for this and how to improve the situation. Thank you.

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
Hello Lin: Experiencing cold hands and feet that turn purple may be caused by Raynaud’s phenomenon. This occurs when the blood vessels in the extremities constrict in response to cold weather or increased stress, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers, toes, and ea...

Understanding Cold Hands: Possible Health Issues and When to Seek Help

Doctor: Every winter, my mother tends to feel cold easily, and her palms often turn pale and even bluish. When I press her palms, there is no significant reddening! This has been happening for several years, but we haven't been able to identify the issue. What could be the e...

Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
Some peripheral vascular diseases may cause vasoconstriction and poor local circulation in colder temperatures. It is recommended that you take your mother to a cardiology outpatient clinic for evaluation.