Freezing weather brings the need for extra precautions, such as layering clothing and keeping your hands and head warm. However, for some individuals, these measures are more critical—and the reason may surprise you.

Have you ever noticed your own or someone else’s fingers turning white in cold temperatures? This phenomenon might be due to a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s syndrome.

What Is Raynaud’s Syndrome?
Raynaud’s syndrome occurs when the blood vessels supplying the skin constrict excessively, limiting blood flow. This restriction causes affected areas, such as fingers or toes, to turn white. As blood flow returns, the skin color changes from white to blue and then to red.

While the visual aspect of white fingers can seem unusual, it is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or even pain, which can be quite uncomfortable.