I’m sorry you’re experiencing this; it sounds bothersome and concerning. What you describe (burning and red hands after exposure to cold) could be a sign of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a common condition in which blood vessels in the fingers (and sometimes toes) overreact to cold or stress, causing a reduction in blood flow followed by a reactive « rebound » phase that causes burning, throbbing, and redness as the blood flows back up.
While you should consult a doctor whenever possible (to rule out underlying causes such as autoimmune diseases), here’s what you can do right away to manage the symptoms and protect yourself:
Immediate steps to take
1. Gently warm your hands (DO NOT rub or use hot water).
Run warm (not hot!) water over your hands or slide them under your armpits.
Why: Sudden heat can damage sensitive tissue. Gentle warming prevents further irritation.
2. Avoid triggers
Cold exposure: Wear insulating gloves (even indoors if it’s cold).
Stress: Practice slow breathing: it can reduce episodes.
Caffeine and nicotine: Both constrict blood vessels, so if you use them, reduce your intake.
3. Improve circulation
Wriggle your fingers, rotate your arms, or do light hand exercises to promote blood circulation.
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