Millions of Brits suffer common disease where fingers turn white during winter months

Cold hands and numb fingers are among the common symptoms.

If you have become used to seeing your fingers and toes turn white when the temperature drops, you may be suffering from a medical condition called Raynaud's syndrome.

Raynaud's syndrome occurs when blood vessels in the fingers or toes suddenly narrow or spasm, leading to a blue discoloration, followed by a sharply demarcated pale white discoloration, and finally, a red discoloration.

It can often be symmetric, affecting fingers on both hands.

The phenomenon was first described by the 19th century French medical student Maurice Raynaud.

According to the NHS, it's extremely common and does not usually cause severe problems.

While it's not exactly life-threatening, if you have happen to notice your fingers or toes turning red, white and blue this winter, you should speak to your dermatologist.

For some, Raynaud's is the first sign of underlying illness, and there may be lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help.

"It's normal for fingers to turn a little blue when we're in a cold environment," she added, but when someone has Raynaud's, their blood vessels narrow, even at modestly cool temperatures, and remain clamped for long periods of time. Once the blood vessels return to a normal caliber, "blood flow rushes back in and the fingers will turn red."

Symptoms of Raynaud's may include numbness, tingling, discomfort and even throbbing pain. People who develop ulcers at the tips of the fingers should seek timely medical evaluation as breaks in the skin can lead to infection.

It is sometimes caused by another health condition or taking certain medicines; something your doctor can check out for you.

Raynaud’s is overwhelmingly more common with women and generally first discovered in adolescence. Up to 20 percent of the world's adult population suffer from Reynaud's.