If your hands burn, sting, or turn bright red after being out in the cold, it can be alarming—especially when you can’t get in to see a doctor anytime soon. While this reaction is often related to how blood vessels and skin respond to temperature changes, the discomfort is very real and can interfere with daily life.
This article focuses on safe, practical steps you can take now to ease symptoms, protect your hands, and know when medical care is important.
Why Cold Can Cause Burning and Redness in the Hands
Cold exposure causes blood vessels in the hands to constrict. When you warm up again, blood rushes back into the skin. For some people, this reaction is exaggerated, leading to:
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Burning or stinging sensations
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Redness or blotchy color changes
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Swelling or tenderness
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Tingling or itching
Dry winter air and repeated cold exposure can also damage the skin barrier, making nerves more sensitive.
What You Can Do Now for Relief
1. Warm Your Hands Slowly—Not Quickly
Rapid rewarming can worsen burning.
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Use lukewarm water, not hot
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Hold a warm (not hot) mug or towel
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Let your hands warm gradually indoors
Avoid placing hands directly on heaters or in very hot water.
2. Moisturize Immediately and Generously
Cold damages the skin barrier, which increases irritation.
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Apply a thick, fragrance-free ointment or cream
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Look for ingredients like petrolatum, ceramides, or glycerin
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Reapply after washing and before bed
Barrier creams help protect nerve endings and reduce burning.
3. Protect Your Hands from Further Cold Exposure
Even short trips outside matter.
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