fingertip losses blood circulation

[Das0523]

Several years ago, I injured my right index finger at the third joint. Now, if I let my hands get cold, suddenly the fingertip becomes death white. I have to warm up by rubbing the tip and use either warm water or blow wam air over for several minutes before color returns normal. Sometimes it feels like I may lose my finger tip altogether as the blood flow does not come back for four to five minutes. It is only on the one index finger. What needs to be done. I am 70 years old.

[Das0523]

Thank you Doctor. I will be consulting my doctor locally as soon as I get an appointment. Meanwhile, I will follow your advise. I am not a smoker and will be careful about the cold weather.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

The symptoms you are experiencing certainly sounds that you are experiencing Raynaud's phenomenon and in that blood vessel spasms occur due to cold weather/medical condition that block blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose and ears. Apart from cold temperature (frost bite), drugs that cause narrowing of arteries, atherosclerosis, arthritis and smoking may also cause these symptoms. To prevent this condition, avoid exposure to cold in any form, dress warmly, stop smoking, and evaluate other medical conditions with the doctor if you have any. Hope this helps.