Why Your Fingers Freak Out in the Cold — and What You Can Do About It
QUICK ANSWER
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which small blood vessels—most often in the fingers and toes—overreact to cold temperatures or emotional stress. During an attack, blood flow drops and the skin may turn white, then blue, and finally red as circulation returns. There is no single product or technique that works for everyone, but keeping your hands and your core warm, avoiding triggers, and acting quickly when an attack starts can help manage symptoms.
If you’ve ever looked down on a cold morning and wondered why one or more of your fingers suddenly look like they belong to somebody else, you may already know Raynaud’s.
White fingers. Blue fingertips. Numbness. Tingling. Then, as your hands warm back up, sometimes an unpleasant rush of red, throbbing fingers.
It can happen on a winter run. Walking the dog. Holding an icy drink. Reaching into the freezer. Or even walking from a hot parking lot into a heavily air-conditioned grocery store.
And although it can feel pretty strange, Raynaud’s is not some new condition. Its medical story goes back more than 160 years.
WHAT IS RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which blood vessels in the extremities narrow too much in response to cold or emotional stress, temporarily restricting blood flow. It most commonly affects the fingers and toes, although the nose, ears and other areas can sometimes be affected too.
When your body gets cold, it normally constricts blood vessels near your skin to conserve heat. That is useful human engineering. With Raynaud’s, however, that response becomes exaggerated: vessels narrow quickly and can remain constricted longer than they should.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), scientists do not yet know exactly why Raynaud’s develops in some people, although they understand much more about what happens during an attack.
WHY DO FINGERS TURN WHITE, BLUE AND RED WITH RAYNAUD’S?
The classic Raynaud’s color changes happen because blood flow and oxygen levels change during an attack.
WHITE: Blood vessels constrict and blood flow drops, making the skin pale or white.
BLUE: The blood remaining in the tissue loses oxygen, sometimes creating a blue or purplish appearance.
RED: As the vessels reopen and circulation returns, the area can become red, warm, swollen, tingly, burning or painful.
Not everyone experiences all three colors, and an attack can last from a few minutes to several hours. Cold is the classic trigger, but emotional stress can trigger an attack as well.
WHO DISCOVERED RAYNAUD’S — AND WHY IS IT CALLED THAT?
Raynaud’s is named after Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud, a French physician who first described the phenomenon in his 1862 doctoral thesis while still a medical student.
At age 27, Raynaud submitted a thesis titled De l’asphyxie locale et de la gangrène symétrique des extrémités — roughly, “Local Asphyxia and Symmetrical Gangrene of the Extremities.” Not exactly beach reading.
Raynaud described 25 cases—20 women and five men—characterized by intermittent pallor and cyanosis of the extremities. He connected the episodes to spasms in small blood vessels and an abnormal nervous-system response.
The phenomenon ultimately took his name. Medical literature later distinguished uncomplicated or idiopathic cases from cases associated with other diseases. Today you’ll see the terms Raynaud’s phenomenon, Raynaud’s disease and Raynaud’s syndrome, although “Raynaud’s phenomenon” is commonly used as the umbrella term.
Raynaud lived from 1834 to 1881. More than a century and a half after his thesis, researchers are still investigating the mechanisms behind the condition that bears his name.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY RAYNAUD’S?
Doctors generally divide Raynaud’s into two forms: primary Raynaud’s, which occurs without a known underlying disease, and secondary Raynaud’s, which is associated with another health condition or exposure.
PRIMARY RAYNAUD’S
Primary Raynaud’s is the more common form and has no known underlying cause. NIAMS says it tends to begin before age 30, often in the teenage years, occurs more frequently in women, and can run in families. For many people, primary Raynaud’s is uncomfortable and disruptive but relatively mild.
SECONDARY RAYNAUD’S
Secondary Raynaud’s is associated with another disease, medication or environmental exposure and can be more serious. Conditions associated with it include scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s disease and inflammatory myositis. Certain medications, repeated use of vibrating machinery, chemical exposure and previous frostbite can also be associated with Raynaud’s symptoms.
Severe secondary Raynaud’s can sometimes lead to painful skin sores and, rarely, tissue damage or gangrene. New, severe or worsening symptoms deserve a conversation with a healthcare professional.
WHAT TRIGGERS RAYNAUD’S ATTACKS?
Cold temperatures are the most common trigger, but “cold” does not necessarily mean a snowstorm.
NIAMS notes that an attack can be triggered by something as ordinary as holding a glass of ice water, taking food from a freezer or walking into an air-conditioned supermarket on a warm day. Emotional stress can also trigger attacks. Smoking and vaping can contribute because nicotine narrows blood vessels.
For people with Raynaud’s, temperature management can be a year-round issue—not just a winter problem.
FAMOUS PEOPLE AND ATHLETES WITH RAYNAUD’S
There are plenty of internet lists claiming various actors, musicians and historical figures had Raynaud’s. We’re going to skip the rumor mill and stick with people whose Raynaud’s stories are documented.
ALISON LEVINE
Mountaineer and explorer Alison Levine was diagnosed with Raynaud’s in her early 20s. She later captained the first American Women’s Everest Expedition and completed the Adventure Grand Slam: climbing the highest peak on every continent and skiing to both the North and South Poles.
A person unusually sensitive to cold going to both poles and Mount Everest? That is one way to refuse to let cold hands write your itinerary.
KRISTLE LOWELL
American trampoline and tumbling champion Kristle Lowell was diagnosed with Raynaud’s at age 13 and later learned she had secondary Raynaud’s associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. She became a world champion in double-mini trampoline and has worked with the Raynaud’s Association to raise awareness.
Her experience is also a useful reminder that Raynaud’s can matter to athletes even indoors: cold gyms and numb fingers or toes can make training considerably more complicated.
WHAT HELPS RAYNAUD’S? START WITH WARMTH.
There is no universal glove, gadget or trick that prevents every Raynaud’s attack. One of the most consistent recommendations from medical organizations is much simpler: keep warm and reduce exposure to cold.
And here is the part that is easy to miss: don’t only warm your hands.
NIAMS and the American College of Rheumatology both emphasize keeping your core body warm. When your body is trying to conserve heat, it reduces blood flow near the skin. Layers, a warm torso and head covering can therefore be part of a cold-hand strategy—not just gloves.
8 PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR MANAGING COLD HANDS AND RAYNAUD’S
1. START WARM
If possible, get warm before heading outside rather than waiting for your fingers to become numb. Movement and appropriate layers can help you begin an activity warm.
2. KEEP YOUR CORE WARM
Think beyond your fingers. Layer your torso and protect your head and feet. The goal is to reduce the body’s need to conserve heat at the extremities.
3. USE MITTENS WHEN MAXIMUM WARMTH MATTERS
The American College of Rheumatology notes that mittens are generally more efficient than gloves for keeping hands and fingers warm. For very cold conditions or more severe symptoms, insulated or heated mittens may make more sense than lightweight handwear.
4. ADD HAND WARMERS
NIAMS specifically suggests considering heated gloves or hand warmers. Rechargeable or disposable warmers can provide an external heat source before your hands become painfully cold.
5. WATCH FOR SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES
The freezer aisle counts. So does aggressive office air conditioning. If you know those environments trigger you, having lightweight hand coverage available can be useful even when the weather outside is warm.
6. KEEP MOVING
Regular exercise can help blood flow and stress management. NIAMS also suggests moving to a warm place and even whirling your arms in a windmill pattern when an attack occurs.
7. WARM HANDS GENTLY
During an attack, NIAMS recommends warming hands under warm—not hot—water or placing them under your armpits. Extreme heat can be risky when sensation is reduced.
8. LEARN YOUR PERSONAL TRIGGERS
Cold and emotional stress are common triggers. Nicotine can also constrict blood vessels, and some medications can worsen Raynaud’s symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider before changing any medication.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR RAYNAUD’S?
There is no single “best glove for Raynaud’s” for every person or every situation. The Raynaud’s Association recommends thinking in terms of a portfolio of handwear based on symptom severity, weather and activity.
That is a useful way to think about the problem. A heavy heated mitten might be ideal standing outside in freezing temperatures—and completely impractical for typing, taking a photo, handling a dog leash or warming up on a run.
A practical cold-hand kit can include:
• Insulated mittens for serious cold.
• Heated gloves or mittens when extra warmth is needed.
• Rechargeable or disposable hand warmers.
• Warm base layers, vest or jacket to protect core temperature.
• Warm socks or heated socks if toes are affected.
• Flipmits for adaptable hand coverage when you need frequent access to your fingers.
WHERE DO FLIPMITS FIT FOR PEOPLE WITH RAYNAUD’S?
Flipmits are not a medical device, a treatment or a cure for Raynaud’s. They are an adaptable handwear option designed for the exact situation traditional gloves handle poorly: your hands don’t stay one temperature all day.
You start cold. You warm up. You need your fingers. The wind picks up. You get cold again.
Traditional gloves often mean taking them off, stuffing them in a pocket, putting them back on and repeating the process. Flipmits stay with you. Cover your hands when you want coverage, uncover your fingers when you need dexterity, or slide them back to your wrists when you warm up.
That can be particularly useful for running, walking, hiking, dog walking, photography, travel, typing, gym workouts and other activities where hand temperature and the need for finger access change constantly.
And this is not just Flipmits making a connection to Raynaud’s.
Flipmits is also listed as a corporate sponsor of the Raynaud’s Association.
For seriously cold conditions, insulated or heated mittens may provide substantially more warmth. Flipmits occupy a different sweet spot: adaptable coverage for changing conditions, active use and those moments when you need your fingers back quickly.
CAN YOU RUN OR EXERCISE WITH RAYNAUD’S?
Many people with Raynaud’s remain active, and regular exercise is among the lifestyle measures NIAMS recommends for improving blood flow and managing stress. The practical challenge is managing temperature before, during and after activity.
For runners and other outdoor athletes, that can mean starting with more hand coverage than you expect to need, keeping your core warm, carrying or wearing adaptable layers, and avoiding the “I’ll wait until my hands are freezing” approach.
Alison Levine and Kristle Lowell are pretty convincing evidence that Raynaud’s and an active life are not mutually exclusive.
BUILD YOUR OWN RAYNAUD’S COLD-HAND SYSTEM
If cold hands are a regular part of your life, don’t expect one product to solve every temperature and activity.
Think of it as a system:
SERIOUS COLD → insulated or heated mittens.
EXTRA HEAT → hand warmers (tucked inside Flipmits pockets)
CHANGING CONDITIONS / ACTIVE USE → Flipmits.
CORE WARMTH → base layers, jacket or vest and hat.
FEET → warm or heated socks when needed.
The objective is not simply to own warmer gloves. It is to avoid getting cold enough to trigger an attack—and to have the right option available when conditions change.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Raynaud’s phenomenon was first described by Maurice Raynaud in 1862, but people are still learning how best to live with it today. We know that attacks involve an exaggerated narrowing of blood vessels, usually in response to cold or stress. We also know there is no single product or strategy that works for everyone.
The fundamentals are refreshingly straightforward: stay warm, keep your core warm, understand your triggers, act quickly when an attack starts, and choose handwear appropriate to what you’re actually doing.
Cold hands don’t have to mean staying inside.
Alison Levine climbed Everest with Raynaud’s.
We’re pretty sure the rest of us can handle the morning dog walk.
FAQ: RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON
What causes Raynaud’s?
Raynaud’s attacks occur when small blood vessels narrow excessively in response to cold or emotional stress. The exact reason primary Raynaud’s develops is not fully understood. Secondary Raynaud’s is associated with other diseases, medications or exposures.
Is Raynaud’s an autoimmune disease?
Primary Raynaud’s is not itself an autoimmune disease. Secondary Raynaud’s can be associated with autoimmune and connective-tissue diseases such as scleroderma and lupus.
Why is it called Raynaud’s?
It is named for French physician Maurice Raynaud, who described the phenomenon in his 1862 medical doctoral thesis.
What are the three colors of Raynaud’s?
The classic sequence is white from reduced blood flow, blue as oxygen in the remaining blood falls, and red as circulation returns. Not everyone experiences all three stages.
Are mittens better than gloves for Raynaud’s?
For maximum warmth, mittens are generally more efficient than gloves because the fingers share warmth. The best handwear depends on the severity of symptoms, temperature and activity.
Are Flipmits a treatment for Raynaud’s?
No. Flipmits are not a medical treatment or cure. They are adaptable handwear that can provide convenient coverage in changing conditions. The Raynaud’s Association includes Flipmits in its directory of gloves, mittens and hand accessories for people dealing with cold hands and Raynaud’s.
When should I see a doctor about Raynaud’s?
Seek medical advice for new, severe or worsening symptoms, especially if attacks are accompanied by sores, significant pain or signs of tissue damage. A clinician can also evaluate whether symptoms may represent secondary Raynaud’s.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) — Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Overview, Symptoms & Causes
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/raynauds-phenomenon
NIAMS — Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Diagnosis, Treatment & Steps to Take
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/raynauds-phenomenon/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take
American College of Rheumatology — All About Raynaud’s Phenomenon
https://rheumatology.org/patient-blog/all-about-raynauds-phenomenon
PubMed — Maurice Raynaud (1834–1881) and the Mystery of “Raynaud’s Phenomenon”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31847013/
PubMed Central — International Consensus Criteria for the Diagnosis of Raynaud’s Phenomenon
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4018202/
Raynaud’s Association — Gloves, Mittens & Hand Accessories
https://www.raynauds.org/product-category/gloves-mittens-hand-accessories/
Raynaud’s Association — Flipmits Review & Product Listing
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Flipmits are not a medical device and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent Raynaud’s phenomenon. Raynaud’s can sometimes be associated with an underlying medical condition. If symptoms are new, severe, worsening, one-sided, or accompanied by sores or tissue damage, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
