Problems with pale, white, blue, or cold fingers or hands

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Problems with pale, white, blue, or cold fingers or hands

It is normal for your hands to change color and temperature when you have been outside in cold weather without gloves. Unless there has been cold damage from frostbite, color and temperature will return to normal when you warm your hands.

Pale, white, blue, or cold fingers or hands may also be caused by:

• Peripheral arterial disease.
• Raynaud's phenomenon.
• Reduced blood flow because something, such as a brace, cast, or splint, is too tight.
• Blood vessel or nerve damage from an injury.

A pale, white, blue, or cold limb that occurs after a brace, cast, or splint has been applied may mean the device is too tight. The blood supply to the limb may be decreased or cut off. If the device is too tight:

• Elevate the limb just above the level of your heart. Too much elevation will also cause problems with the blood supply.
• Loosen the splint, if possible, but don't remove it.

Call and discuss your symptoms with your health professional immediately. Prompt treatment is important to restore blood flow and prevent severe complications.

Credits

Last updated:	November 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer