Cold hands syndrome campaign
Thursday February 2nd, 2012
Doctors have urged people with persistently cold hands to recognise the weather may not be to blame.
This month is Raynaud's Awareness Month and it has won backing in Leicestershire and Rutland in the UK.
About ten per cent of women in the UK suffer from the condition - but most sufferers do not seek medical help.
Dr Chris Trzcinski, who is one of the chairs of the West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Many people suffer with Raynaud’s but don’t know it. If you have Raynaud’s its very likely your fingers will change colour at any time of year depending on what you are doing.
"Touching something cold from the fridge might cause the fingers to go numb, air conditioning in office spaces can also be a problem. Hot conditions such as being on the beach can also have the same effect.
“Regular movement and exercise helps to keep the skin flexible and maintains a better blood flow.
"Simple methods such as repeatedly clenching the fist or making circles with your arms can be effective."
He added: "Try and avoid sitting down for long periods of time, warm clothing on the radiator before wearing them in the winter and if you smoke, try and cut down or quit the habit altogether as smoking reduces circulation of the blood in our bodies.”
Tags: General Health | UK News
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