What are chilblains?
Chilblains are small, red, and itchy swellings on the skin, which occur as an abnormal response to cold temperatures that can be particularly painful. In addition to the toes, they can also affect other extremities, such as the fingers, ears and nose. However, other areas of skin can develop chilblains as well, such as the heels, lower legs or thighs.
They form as an adverse reaction to fairly harsh cold weather when the blood vessels in the feet shrink to keep the body warmth closer to the body instead of the skin (which is where heat is lost) and when they are rewarmed too quickly it can cause blood and fluid to leak, causing the red and swollen appearance.
Who is at risk of being affected by chilblains?
Although chilblains are common, the condition mainly affects young adults working outdoors in cold places or people who do not wear socks or tights in winter. Elderly people whose circulation is less efficient are also susceptible. There are also a number of other things that can increase the risk of getting chilblains, including;
- People who smoke (due to the way that smoking affects the arteries and causes them to constrict)
- People who suffer with some form of connective tissue disorder such as lupus
- People who suffer from Raynauds syndrome
- Anyone who has a family history of chilblains being present
- People who live with diabetes as this can affect the circulation
Diabetes and chilblains
Occasionally chilblains can cause the skin to break down to leave a small ulcer, which is prone to infection. Therefore, it is vital to look after your feet, examine them carefully every day, especially if you are diabetic and have loss of sensation in your feet. If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing. If you have diabetes or are undergoing medical treatment, it is important that you have the ulcer assessed by your GP or podiatrist.
How can I avoid getting chilblains?
While it’s not an absolute certainty that these tips will help you to completely stop getting chilblains, they will help to prevent the risk of chilblains from occurring and can ease any symptoms. Things such as keeping your feet warm and dry at all times will definitely help, and ensuring that you don’t go from cold to hot too quickly will be vital. If your body, especially your feet, is feeling cold it is very important to warm them up slowly.
Another good tip is to avoid jumping straight into a hot shower or bath when you come in from the cold, or getting your feet in front of a heater. Instead, you could try putting on a pair of slippers or thick socks to let your feet warm up slowly and naturally. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking around with bare feet as this will stop your feet from warming up properly.
Is there anything I can to do treat or help chilblains at home?
If you already have chilblains, there are some “at home” treatments that you can perform to help ease the symptoms and pain associated with them.
- Resist the urge to scratch or itch the chilblains as this can cause further damage to the skin
- Calamine lotion or witch hazel can be applied to help to soothe any itching
- Using Deep Heat or a similar treatment on the feet can help to promote a heating effect and help the circulation of the blood
- Wear thick wool or cotton socks to keep your feet warm
- Keeping your entire body warm is also a good thing that you can do to prevent the risk of further chilblains or damage
Before trying these “at home” remedies though, it’s incredibly important to ensure that you are suffering from chilblains. If you’re not sure, the best thing that you can do is speak to a member of our podiatry team.
To find out more about chilblains and what we can do to treat them, or to book an appointment with our podiatry team, contacting us directly is the best step that you can take. Please click here to book an appointment with our team, or call us on 01270 627118 to discuss your options.
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