My hands burn and turn red after being in the cold, but I can’t see a doctor anytime soon. What should I do now?

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this—it sounds uncomfortable and concerning. What you’re describing (burning, redness in the hands after cold exposure) could be a sign of Raynaud’s phenomenon, a common condition where blood vessels in the fingers (and sometimes toes) overreact to cold or stress, causing reduced blood flow followed by a reactive “rebound” phase that brings burning, throbbing, and redness as blood rushes back.

While you should see a doctor when possible (to rule out underlying causes like autoimmune conditions), here’s what you can do right now to manage symptoms and protect yourself:

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Warm Your Hands Gently (Do NOT Rub or Use Hot Water)

Run lukewarm (not hot!) water over your hands, or tuck them under your armpits.
Why: Sudden heat can damage sensitive tissues. Gentle warming prevents further irritation.