Fingers that change color
Alternative names
Blanching of the fingers
Definition
Return to top
Fingers that turn pale or turn colors when exposed to cold or stress is an indication of cyanosis. Blanching means to become pale. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes from lack of oxygen.
Considerations
Return to top
Raynaud's Disease or syndrome may cause sudden change in the finger color.
Common Causes
Return to top
Home Care
Return to top
Avoid smoking.
Avoid exposure to cold in any form. Wear mittens or gloves outdoors and when handling ice or frozen food. Avoid chilling, which may happen following any active recreational sport. Wear comfortable, roomy shoes and wool socks. When outside, always wear shoes.
Call your health care provider if
Return to top
- Fingers change color and the cause is not known.
- Fingers or toes turn black or the skin breaks.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting change in finger color in detail may include:
- Time pattern
- Did the fingers suddenly change color?
- Has the color change occurred before?
- Aggravating factors
- Does cold or emotion cause the fingers to turn white (blanching)?
- Does cold or emotion cause the fingers to turn blue (cyanosis)?
- Quality
- Do fingers turn red?
- Do they turn blue?
- Do they turn white?
- Do they look black or gray?
- Aggravating factors
- Did this occur after anesthesia?
- Do you smoke?
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there finger pain?
- Is there arm pain?
- Is there a change in the texture of the skin?
- Is there loss of hair on the arm or hands?
The physical examination will include thorough examination of the hands, arms, and fingers.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Intervention:
Use of drugs to dilate small arteries and improve circulation may be prescribed. Surgery to cut the sympathetic nerves to the affected extremities (for Raynaud's phenomenon) is an option that may relieve symptoms for 1 or 2 years before they recur.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to change in finger color to your personal medical record.
Update Date: 10/24/2003
Updated by: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.