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What are the symptoms of swollen fingers?
Swollen fingers usually appear as patches of skin, which appear swollen and red. They may also be blue at times. In addition, these spots may appear shiny due to swelling. Other symptoms of swollen fingers include:
- Burning sensation and pain.
- The appearance of pimples.
- Feeling of itching.
What causes swollen fingers?
Cold weather can cause small blood vessels near the surface of the skin to narrow and contract. Once you’ve warmed yourself or your feet, these blood vessels may dilate very quickly. This may cause blood to escape into nearby tissues, causing the fingers to swell. This swelling then irritates the nerves in the affected area, causing pain.
So far, doctors aren’t sure why this is obviously happening. But it may be related to an unusual reaction of blood vessels when exposed to very cold air, and then quickly reheating.
Are there risk factors for swollen fingers?
Although it’s not entirely clear what causes swollen fingers, there are some things that may increase your risk of developing them. Some risk factors for swollen fingers include:
- Clothing that is too tight or that leaves the skin exposed to very cold and humid climates.
- People living in humid countries and humid climates.
- Smoking.
- Females are more likely to develop swollen fingers than men.
- Obesity, where people who are moderately or obese are more likely to have swollen fingers than others who maintain a healthy weight.
- Poor or circulatory problems.
- If you have SLE.
- If you suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome, which can cause the appearance of special and obvious types of blisters and ulcers.
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