White, numb fingers: What causes this?

You may be describing Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition that causes some parts of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and change color. Although these changes usually result from exposure to cold temperatures, they can also be triggered by strong emotions or stress.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a disorder of the blood vessels in the skin. During an attack, these blood vessels narrow, which restricts blood flow to the affected areas.

The exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon can't always be determined. In such cases, it is referred to as Raynaud's disease. But Raynaud's phenomenon can be associated with:

• Diseases that affect blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans)
• Repeated trauma from vibrating tools such as a jackhammer

Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon depends on the severity of symptoms and may include:

• Medications to relax the walls of blood vessels
• Avoiding cold exposure
• Stopping smoking

Treatment of any underlying condition also is important.