# Why did my fingers get cold, and then didn't? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 18, 2020, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348 "2020-12-18T18:08:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/1 "2020-12-18T18:08:42Z")
I dunno, maybe this belongs in MPTIMS, but I was curious about the mechanics of what happened. Yesterday I went out to shovel snow. I put on warm clothes and boots and a pair of thin leather gloves lined with thin knit layer. My fingers felt cold almost immediately, and after a few minutes I was worried I’d get frostbite, so I went inside and warmed them up. I also changed to a new pair of gloves, which were also thin leather with a thin knit layer. I went outdoors and shoveled for more than an hour. My fingers were toasty warm. When I finally finished and went indoors, they weren’t even a little cold – I could have used my hands to warm other people’s hands. (something I often do, as my hands rarely get cold,and I’m often in places where my friends are rubbing their hands uncomfortably.) So – what happened? It’s possible the first pair of gloves was every-so-slightly damp, although I certainly didn’t notice that when I put them on. They did smell slightly mildewed. Are there any other possibilities? ---
**Author:** ![Pasta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecccb3/32.png) [@Pasta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pasta)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/2 "2020-12-18T18:56:56Z")
The gloves are likely a minor factor. The major factor is the two hours of shoveling. While [thermoregulation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoregulation_in_humans#In_cold_conditions) involves many internal processes, in this case it sounds like simply heat supply-and-demand. When you go into the cold, your body recognizes the heat loss and starts constricting blood flow to the extremities and skin to reduce that heat loss. When you shovel snow (or do any exercise), you generate a lot of excess internal heat that must get shed. Your body tries to get rid of it by increasing blood flow to the skin and extremities as well as doing things like sweating. So, you had your own internal furnace cranking, and your hands stayed toasty. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/3 "2020-12-18T18:59:18Z")
But why did i have to go inside and warm up my hands to cause that switchover? ---
**Author:** ![Pasta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecccb3/32.png) [@Pasta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pasta)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/4 "2020-12-18T19:13:13Z")
If in that early part your hands were getting too cold still, then going in was a useful and comfortable thing. But since you had already started moving around and shoveling, your body was already switching gears. I would think that had you stuck it out for a little while longer, your hands would have warmed up without the break after a little more time. (This happens to me every time I go skiing. On the first lift rides to the top, I feel like my hands are going to fall off with the cold. But then I get a good run or two in, and I’m toasty. I often even shed outer layers after a run or two since I’m making so much heat, but I would never be able to do that just sitting around.) ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/5 "2020-12-18T20:50:13Z")
Just a coincidence. Same thing would have happened if you had just stayed outside. I cycle in moderately cold weather (down to 40°F) and the first few minutes my fingers feel like they’re going to get numb but after 20-25 minutes they get so warm I am tempted to take the gloves off. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/6 "2020-12-18T21:08:59Z")
Neat. I had thought there might be some homeostasis or something. (And i was legit concerned about frostbite, the temperature was well below freezing) ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/7 "2020-12-18T21:31:55Z")
The question has already been answered. I’ll just chime in to note that I get the same effect when I go bike riding in the cold. What gets tricky is when my hands get uncomfortably warm after a time. So I take the gloves off. Then they feel cold again in short order, so they’re back on. And then warm again. Then off; then cold again… ---
**Author:** ![mmmiiikkkeee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/edb3f5/32.png) [@mmmiiikkkeee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mmmiiikkkeee)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/8 "2020-12-18T22:37:21Z")
Yes as stated on your first outing you didn’t spend enough time shoveling to get your furnace revved up so to speak. Most people’s bodies don’t make that shift immediately, and it also depends on your exertion level. I make 200 yard walk out to meet my kids at the bus daily in down to -25C. If I just walk (low exertion) I never do get warm. When I start chopping wood or pulling a sled around I get warm but it takes a few minutes. It could also have to do with handling the shovel for the first few minutes, and the heat transferring through your thin gloves to the handle before it started warming up. Probably a combination of handling an initially cold shovel and not getting your heart rate up fast/long enough. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2020, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/9 "2020-12-18T22:38:50Z")
There’s an old saying about winter activities, particularly highly active (ie, high level of exertion) activities: if you aren’t _at least a little cold_ before you start, you’re going to be too warm (rather quickly). Which, obviously, can be a distinct negative as you’ll perspire a lot more, and – when you back off the exertion – can get _really_ cold. Lots of people 'round these parts shovel in long-sleeved T-shirts and shorts, usually without gloves. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/10 "2020-12-19T17:51:38Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > I cycle in moderately cold weather (down to 40°F) and the first few minutes my fingers feel like they’re going to get numb but after 20-25 minutes they get so warm I am tempted to take the gloves off. I was getting ready to say you are a mutant but then I read this: > [@ASL\_v2.0](#): > > I’ll just chime in to note that I get the same effect when I go bike riding in the cold. What gets tricky is when my hands get uncomfortably warm after a time. So I take the gloves off. Then they feel cold again in short order, so they’re back on. And then warm again. Then off; then cold again… And now I’m thinking I’m the mutant. When I cycle in the cold, my hands (specifically my fingers) get cold and stay cold. To the point that they lose strength and I find it very difficult to throw the gear lever, particularly to move the chain from the small to the big chain ring. I’ve never found a pair of gloves that could keep my fingers warm enough while also maintaining adequate dexterity. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/11 "2020-12-19T22:31:32Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > When I cycle in the cold, my hands (specifically my fingers) get cold and stay cold. Results will vary based on differing values of “cold”. Also depends on the level you ride. If I am working hard enough to get sweaty then my hands warm up after a while. If I were just tooling around for a Sunday ride I would not warm up. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/12 "2020-12-19T23:09:22Z")
I’m affected by it when the temperature is around 5°C or lower. I don’t do “tooling around” though I suppose on longer rides the intensity level is lower. It was particularly memorable on a 120km ride I did in South Australia a few years ago. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/13 "2020-12-19T23:26:45Z")
Yeah 5C is about what it was for my last ride. Bravo. I haven’t done a 120km ride since I was in my 20’s, and I’ve never done it in cold weather. These days I max out at about 45km. You are a hardy soul. ---
**Author:** ![ASL\_v2.0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asl_v2.0/32/3525_2.png) [@ASL\_v2.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASL_v2.0)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/14 "2020-12-19T23:31:48Z")
86 _miles_ one day. 76 the next. It turned out google maps was unnecessarily diverting me. And the first day was into a pretty stiff breeze (and it was cold). ---
**Author:** ![jjakucyk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3d9bf3/32.png) [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2020, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/15 "2020-12-21T02:51:54Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > When I cycle in the cold, my hands (specifically my fingers) get cold and stay cold. To the point that they lose strength and I find it very difficult to throw the gear lever, particularly to move the chain from the small to the big chain ring. > > I’ve never found a pair of gloves that could keep my fingers warm enough while also maintaining adequate dexterity. Then that could mean you’re under-insulating your arms and/or core, so your body is constricting the blood flow to your extremities and it cools down too fast. I’ve had more trouble with my feet getting cold while riding, but now I err on the side of heavier or multi-layering tights, and haven’t had any issues since (thin neoprene socks help too). YMMV of course, and yes there is a risk of sweating more and getting chilled if you have to stop to change a flat tire or while coasting down a long hill. But at least for me, I’ve never really had an issue with sweating on my arms or legs, just my core, so overdoing the clothes a bit on the arms and legs helps to keep the hands and feet warm. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2020, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/16 "2020-12-21T03:24:00Z")
That is a reasonable explanation. Unfortunately I run very hot and once up to temperature I need to have relatively light garments on the torso otherwise I feel like I’m overheating. I do take the point though, that keeping my torso warmer would force my body to lose heat through my extremities. Next time I do a cool ride I will force myself to wrap up more. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2020, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-fingers-get-cold-and-then-didnt/928348/17 "2020-12-21T03:25:41Z")
I think people differ, also, in both how good the circulation is to their extremities and as to how quickly they dump heat to their extremities as compared to other ways.