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(352) 733-0111

Fingers that change color

Definition

Fingers or toes may change color when they are exposed to cold temperatures or stress, or when there is a problem with their blood supply.

Alternative Names

Blanching of the fingers; Fingers - pale; Toes that change color; Toes - pale

Causes

These conditions can cause fingers or toes to change color:

Home Care

Things you can do to help prevent this problem include:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid exposure to cold in any form.
  • Wear mittens or gloves outdoors and when handling ice or frozen food.
  • Avoid getting chilled, which may happen following any active recreational sport or other physical activity.
  • Wear comfortable, roomy shoes and wool socks.
  • When outside, always wear shoes.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

  • Your fingers change color and the cause is not known.
  • Your fingers or toes turn black or the skin breaks.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam, which will include close examination of your hands, arms, and fingers.

Your provider will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

  • Did the fingers or toes suddenly change color?
  • Has the color change occurred before?
  • Does the cold or changes in your emotions cause your fingers or toes to turn white or blue?
  • Did the skin color changes occur after you had anesthesia?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you have other symptoms such as finger pain? Arm or leg pain? A change in the texture of your skin? Loss of hair on your arms or hands?

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Gallery

Raynaud's phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by blood vessel spasms in the fingers, toes, ears or nose, usually brought on by exposure to cold. Raynaud's phenomenon and Raynaud's disease, a similar disorder, may be associated with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma.
Blood test
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

References

Jaff MR, Bartholomew JR. Other peripheral arterial diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 72.

Robert A, Melville I, Baines CP, Belch JJF. Raynaud phenomenon. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 154.

Last reviewed May 3, 2021 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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