Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#1

Post by Filthy_casual » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 2:48 PM UTC

I developed this effect a few years ago, but it didn't bothered me until lately.

Of course it's less noticeable in the hot days, but in general when I go out for long walks my fingers will feel bloated and red-ish. The doctor told me that it's called Raynaud's phenomenon and that I'll have to figure out ways to deal with it.

So far I tried some gloves that I had in my house but even with those my fingers get cold while they are inside the gloves.

Absurdly enough, the room temperature doesn't have much to do with it, because the air condition is working at full throttle and my room is close to 80-82 Fahrenheit most of the time.

Also, if you have it, did you ever had to report it to your manager? Did you tried anything that worked for your workplace?

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#2

Post by informatimago » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 2:57 PM UTC

When I programmed by -30 C outside, (10 C inside), I used a big bowl (2 liters) of tea to heat my fingers. Hands on the bowl, slurp tea, hands on keyboard, repeat. When the bowl, is empty refill it.

But this was before USB, you know, when you had to go uphill in the snow both to and from school. Nowadays you can get something like:

https://www.amazon.com/USB-Heated-Shawl-Lap-Blanket/dp/B01BH...

And of course, you should be careful in your choice of computing hardware and software. Nowadays, hardware and software are optimised to spare energy usage, processors go to sleep or reduce frequency while you're working, etc. All this doesn't produce much heat, in top-notch computing hardware. Instead, choose cheaper, less "green" hardware, some laptop that heats a lot, and run some background tasks (eg. you may compile the linux kernel in a loop, or have some 3D rendering game running in background), so that the processor is used close to 100% full frequency, and produce more heath. Then you can put your fingers on the hot surfaces or on the air vent exits.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#3

Post by [deleted] » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 2:59 PM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#4

Post by achariam » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:39 PM UTC

Maybe, a small space heater for your desk with the airflow pointed towards your keyboard.

I have the small rooms one described here. And it is pretty manageable. http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-space-heaters/

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#5

Post by faitswulff » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:44 PM UTC

informatimago wrote: post #2

When I programmed by -30 C outside, (10 C inside), I used a big bowl (2 liters) of tea to heat my fingers. Hands on the bowl, slurp tea, hands on keyboard, repeat. When the bowl, is empty refill it. But this was before USB, you know, when you had to go uphill in the snow both to and from school. Nowadays you can get something like: https://www.amazon.com/USB-Heated-Shawl-Lap-Blanket/dp/B01BH... And of course, you sho…

I second the tea solution. It also forces you to get up to use the bathroom.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#6

Post by Clubber » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:47 PM UTC

Type faster, more compression and friction produces heat!

All joking aside, I have the opposite problem. I'm always hot.

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#7

Post by zython » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:48 PM UTC

stand up, walk around for a bit, make some tea

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#8

Post by ant6n » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:49 PM UTC

Some laptops can get really hot...

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#9

Post by coldtea » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:51 PM UTC

>Of course it's less noticeable in the hot days, but in general when I go out for long walks my fingers will feel bloated and red-ish. So far I tried some gloves that I had in my house but even with those my fingers get cold while they are inside the gloves.

Err, maybe I'm missing something, but how about investing in a BETTER pair of gloves?

Doing something with your fingers while walking (keeping them occupied, e.g. with small stretching, etc) will help the blood flow better.

Also, maybe don't go out for "long walks" when it's too cold outside?

Re: Ask HN: How do you deal with cold fingertips when you code?

#10

Post by piercebot » Sat, Jan 14, 2017, 3:52 PM UTC

Perhaps counter-intuitively, I have found that applying more layers to my core rather than to my fingers/hands tends to keep my fingers warmer.

Of course, this only works if blood can circulate heat from your core to your extremities. Try throwing on a vest and, when coding, make sure your elbows are not bent and your writs are not resting on a pad in such a way as to obstruct blood flow.

Good luck!