Hand and Foot Color Change: Diagnosis and Management

Color Changes in the Fingers and Toes of an Infant

“…Treatment is typically supportive with avoidance of aggravating factors (cold, emotional stress), and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers for severe cases. 3 If a secondary cause is found, appropriate treatment should be initiated, but Raynaud phenomenon is more likely to be refractory.…”

“…In children, secondary Raynaud phenomenon has been associated with rheumatologic conditions (eg, juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis), infections, drugs, or chemical exposure. 3,4 Referral to a rheumatologist for evaluation is warranted. 5 We found only 3 case reports of infants (age 12 months or younger) with Raynaud phenomenon.…”

It is all blue!

“…Absence of discoloured central skin changes of the lips or tongue makes hypoxia an unlikely cause. Acrocyanosis can present with blue discolouration of the perioral region, which is not to be confused with the lips or tongue 3…”

“…In secondary acrocyanosis, the presentation is usually asymmetrical, with episodes associated with pain and could be medication related (psychostimulants) 3…”

“…It is associated with the dilation of the small postcapillary venules caused by the vasospastic activity of the small cutaneous arterioles 3. This is associated with primary acrocyanosis.…”