Causes of cold hands and feet in adults

The body narrows small blood vessels in the skin to conserve heat, so fingers and toes may feel cold even when the core body temperature is normal. Stress, nicotine and some medicines can also narrow vessels. Persistent symptoms may occur with anaemia or iron deficiency anaemia, where reduced oxygen-carrying capacity can accompany tiredness, breathlessness or paleness. Hypothyroidism can slow body processes and cause cold intolerance, dry skin or constipation. Peripheral arterial disease can reduce blood flow to a limb, sometimes causing cramping with walking, shiny skin or wounds that heal slowly.

Coldness alone does not identify one condition. A clinician considers whether both sides are affected, whether colour changes occur, how long symptoms last, and what other symptoms are present.

Warm your hands and feet gradually with clothing, socks and movement; avoid placing numb skin directly against very hot water or a heater. Keep a note of episodes, colour changes, triggers, pain, numbness and sores. Book a GP appointment if the symptom is persistent, worsening, one-sided, or accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness, weight change or leg pain when walking. Assessment may include an examination and blood tests; do not start iron supplementation without advice, because treatment depends on the cause.

Seek urgent help if a hand or foot suddenly becomes cold, pale, blue, severely painful, numb or weak, especially on one side. Immediate assessment is also needed for a new wound with spreading redness, severe swelling, or symptoms such as chest pain, fainting or difficulty breathing.

Could anaemia, thyroid disease or circulation problems explain my symptoms? Which tests are appropriate? Are any of my medicines or habits narrowing blood vessels? What changes should make me seek urgent help?