Blue hands

Question  When I type on a keyboard or when I get cold usually when I am sitting I notice that my hands turn blue and cold. Sometimes my hands turn blue when I get into the shower with comfortable hot water then I notice after 15 to 20 seconds my hands turn a nice pink again. I am puzzled by this. Could this be life threatning?
 
Answer  Although difficult to tell without seeing, I think you are describing Raynaud's Disease. Briefly, this is a problem in which the arteries that carry blood to the fingers spasm (become twitchy) in response to the cold. In most people, this is an exaggerated, normal physiologic response of the body, trying to regulate blood flow. It occurs in about 2-3% of young women and in when it starts at a young age, it almsot always does not cause any problems except discomfort. When it occurs in people over the age of 35 or in men, it can be associated with a rheumatic illness such as lupus or scleroderma. You should see your doctor for an evaluation.

Last update: 10:29 PM Tuesday, April 24, 2007

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