Fever in the hands and feet

During a fever, the body adjusts blood flow and heat loss. Chills can make hands and feet feel cold while the trunk feels hot; later, sweating may make the skin feel damp and warm. A warm hand does not prove that the whole body has a fever, so use a thermometer and consider symptoms such as cough, sore throat, vomiting, rash, pain, or weakness.

Cold hands or feet can also follow a cool environment, dehydration, anxiety, or reduced circulation. Fever with a new painful, red, swollen area can occur with cellulitis. The appearance and sensation of the skin, along with alertness and breathing, help determine urgency.

Measure temperature using the thermometer instructions, rather than judging fever by touch. Offer or drink fluids regularly, rest, and use light layers that can be removed when sweating begins. Keep the room comfortable and avoid ice, very hot water, or vigorous rubbing of cold extremities.

Check whether both hands and feet look and feel similar, and note colour, swelling, numbness, pain, and movement. Record when the changes occur in relation to chills or sweating. Do not massage a limb that is very painful, swollen, or discoloured before medical advice.

Seek emergency help if the hands or feet are blue, grey, or markedly pale with breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, extreme drowsiness, or a very ill appearance. Urgent assessment is also needed for severe limb pain, rapidly increasing swelling, loss of sensation, or inability to move a limb.

Arrange medical advice when fever continues, keeps returning, or occurs with dehydration, a spreading rash, or worsening weakness. People with diabetes, circulation problems, immune suppression, or serious chronic illness should seek advice sooner about new colour or temperature changes.

Ask whether the temperature pattern and circulation changes fit an infection, how to monitor skin colour and sensation, and which medicines are suitable for you. Describe the thermometer reading, timing, fluid intake, urine, and any rash, swelling, pain, numbness, or breathing change.