The Returning Cold Wave, When the Fear of Cold Leads to Severe 'Sujoknaengjeung' Symptoms

Daedong Hospital, Various Underlying Diseases... Prompt Diagnosis and Appropriate Treatment Needed for Daily Life Discomfort

The cold wave has returned, and more people are complaining of cold hands and feet due to Raynaud's phenomenon. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] With the return of the cold wave, more people are suffering from cold hands and feet as much as the chilly winter weather.

Having cold hands and feet is a natural phenomenon in winter, but if your hands and feet are colder than others or feel numb even when the temperature is not extremely low, you may need to suspect Eoljuka (cold hands and feet syndrome), according to specialists.

Eoljuka is reported to be a relatively common symptom, occurring in about 12% of the total population.

Eoljuka is not a specific disease but refers to symptoms where the hands and feet feel numb or abnormally cold. It often occurs in the deep winter when temperatures drop sharply, and winter is the season when symptoms are felt most severely. However, some patients experience severe symptoms requiring gloves even in midsummer, regardless of the season.

The exact cause of Eoljuka has not yet been identified, but it is known to be associated with various underlying diseases.

To find the underlying cause, blood tests and thyroid function tests are sometimes performed, and depending on symptoms, special tests such as nerve conduction and electromyography may also be conducted.

The most representative underlying disease is Raynaud's syndrome. Raynaud's syndrome is a peripheral blood circulation disorder in which blood vessels excessively constrict due to prolonged exposure to cold or mental stress. Initially, the skin at the fingertips turns white, then blue, and later the fingers turn red.

Severe itching and pain accompany these color changes. It mainly occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 and is generally known to be more common in women.

To treat Raynaud's syndrome, it is important to keep not only the hands and feet but the entire body warm. Medication such as calcium channel blockers or vasodilators that dilate blood vessels can be helpful.

If symptoms are not well controlled with medication, sympathectomy may be performed. Above all, reducing stress and achieving psychological stability are also important.

Eoljuka can also occur due to rheumatoid diseases, herniated discs, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, vascular diseases, and others.

Rarely, hypothyroidism or side effects from medications can cause Eoljuka. When the underlying cause of Eoljuka is clear, treatment often leads to improvement. Therefore, if you have symptoms of Eoljuka, it is necessary to first identify the cause.

Dr. Park Ji-hye, head of the Rheumatology Department at Daedong Hospital, said, “Most people tend to overlook the symptoms, thinking it is just because ‘it’s winter’ or ‘it’s their constitution,’ and leave it untreated,” adding, “Since Eoljuka has various underlying causes, if your hands and feet are cold and numb or if these symptoms interfere with daily life, you should visit a nearby hospital promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.”

To manage Eoljuka and relieve symptoms, it is most important to find the underlying cause and receive active treatment. Rather than staying indoors just because it is cold, regular exercise and increasing daily activity can be effective in improving symptoms. Additionally, avoiding alcohol and smoking is recommended.

Half-body baths that promote overall blood circulation and good sleep can also alleviate symptoms. Specialists say that consuming vegetables rich in antioxidants, proteins, and mixed grains, as well as properly managing stress, helps improve Eoljuka.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.