A finger typically turns purple when blood is not circulating well to the hand.
Blood is bright red when it is moving the proper amount of oxygen through the body.
This article talks about some of the more common health conditions that can cause a purple finger.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
It also explains how they are treated and when it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider.
Vasospasm
Avasospasmis due to a persistent contraction of the blood vessels known as vasoconstriction.
This causes the arteries to narrow, which reduces blood flow.
Vasospasms can occur in any part of the body.
It affects more women than men.
Both stress and cold weather can lead to an attack.
When this happens, the hands and feet can feel very cold or numb.
An episode can last only a few minutes to more than an hour.
Symptoms range in severity, but they are most often mild.
There are two forms of this condition:
There is no cure for Raynaud’s syndrome.
Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce the severity and number of attacks, both in primary and secondary cases.
They also may prevent finger or toe tissue loss.
Surgery may be needed in severe cases to restore blood flow to the affected areas.
Achenbach Syndrome
Achenbachsyndrome can cause purple fingers.
Fortunately, although Achenbach syndrome causes discomfort, it is not dangerous.
Ahematoma(a bruise with the blood pooling outside of broken blood vessels) will follow.
This causes the color change in the affected finger.
Bleeding beneath the skin typically stops spontaneously, or after applying pressure to the affected finger.
The abnormal purple color usually resolves without treatment within three to seven days, leaving no permanent damage.
Symptoms usually appear a few hours after exposure.
Chilblains mostly affects women, though the reasons for this are unknown.
Additionally, keeping up core body temperature and not smoking are also helpful.
These steps are usually enough to keep chilblains under control.
Buerger’s Disease
Buerger’s diseasenormally affects the small- and medium-sized nerves, arteries, and veins.
It causes blood vessels to swell and narrow, which constricts blood flow.
This puts you at risk forblood clotsthat affect the hands and feet.
Other symptoms include:
Healthcare providers aren’t sure what causes Buerger’s disease.
Smoking is a common thread among people who have it.
It is the most effective treatment to stem the effects of the disease.
People with Buerger’s disease who continue to smoke have a 40% to 50% amputation rate.
Other reasons may be related to an underlying health issue.
In some cases, there can be serious consequences if the condition is not diagnosed and treated properly.
There are no specific tests for Achenbach syndrome.
The diagnosis is based on a physical exam and a person’s symptoms.
Doctors will rule out other possible causes during the diagnostic process.
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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Buerger disease.
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Published 2016 Oct 12. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S109985
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