Definition

It's common to have cold hands even when you're not in a cold environment. Usually, having cold hands is just one of the ways your body tries to regulate its temperature and shouldn't be cause for concern.

However, persistently cold hands — particularly with skin color changes — could be a warning sign of nerve damage, blood flow problems, or tissue damage in the hands or fingers. For example, if you are outside in extreme cold weather and you have cold hands, skin color changes could be a warning sign of frostbite.

Signs and symptoms to watch for when you have cold hands include:

• Cold feet or toes
• Changes to the color of the skin on your hands, such as blue or white skin
• Numbness or tingling
• Open sores or blisters
• Tightened or hardened skin