Chilblains (also known as pernio) are small, itchy, painful, red swellings on the skin. Chilblains are caused by an abnormal skin reaction to cold. They tend to occur on 'extremities' that easily become cold. That is, your toes, fingers, nose and earlobes. However, other areas of skin sometimes develop chilblains when they become cold. For example, your heels, lower legs and thighs. Chilblains occur several hours after being exposed to the cold. You may get just one chilblain but often several develop. They may join together to form a larger swollen, red area of skin.
Chilblains (also known as pernio) are small, itchy, painful, red swellings on the skin. Chilblains are caused by an abnormal skin reaction to cold. They tend to occur on 'extremities' that easily become cold. That is, your toes, fingers, nose and earlobes. However, other areas of skin sometimes develop chilblains when they become cold. For example, your heels, lower legs and thighs. Chilblains occur several hours after being exposed to the cold. You may get just one chilblain but often several develop. They may join together to form a larger swollen, red area of skin.
Chilblains are very itchy. A burning sensation is also typical. They are usually red at first but may become purple. Pain and tenderness over the chilblains often develop. In some cases the skin over a chilblain may blister which may delay healing. Occasionally, the skin breaks down to leave a small ulcer which is prone to infection. Typically, each chilblain lasts for about seven days and then, gradually, goes away over a week or so. Some people have recurring bouts of chilblains each winter. If you are prone to chilblains then trying to prevent chilblains by doing the following is sensible:
Chilblains are very itchy. A burning sensation is also typical. They are usually red at first but may become purple. Pain and tenderness over the chilblains often develop. In some cases the skin over a chilblain may blister which may delay healing. Occasionally, the skin breaks down to leave a small ulcer which is prone to infection. Typically, each chilblain lasts for about seven days and then, gradually, goes away over a week or so. Some people have recurring bouts of chilblains each winter. If you are prone to chilblains then trying to prevent chilblains by doing the following is sensible:
1. Keep your hands and feet warm when out in cold weather by using warm gloves and socks. No other treatment is normally needed, as they usually go away by themslves.
2. Consider special heated gloves and socks if chilblains are a recurring problem.
3. Keep your head and ears warm by wearing a hat and scarf.
4. You should keep as warm as possible in the cold. Wearing several loose layers is ideal to trap body heat. You should also keep as dry as possible.
5. After being out in the cold, do not heat the skin quickly with hot water bottles, etc. Warm yourself up gradually.
2. Consider special heated gloves and socks if chilblains are a recurring problem.
3. Keep your head and ears warm by wearing a hat and scarf.
4. You should keep as warm as possible in the cold. Wearing several loose layers is ideal to trap body heat. You should also keep as dry as possible.
5. After being out in the cold, do not heat the skin quickly with hot water bottles, etc. Warm yourself up gradually.
A range of creams and lotions can be bought from a pharmacy. However, there is no evidence that any of these are of benefit so they are therefore not recommended. Steroid creams are no longer recommended for the treatment (or prevention) of chilblains. Side-effects to some medicines may narrow (constrict) tiny blood vessels. This may be enough to make you prone to recurring chilblains. For example, beta-blockers can have this effect. Tell your doctor if you become prone to chilblains following starting any medication. Although chilblains are uncomfortable, they do not usually cause any permanent damage. They will usually heal on their own if further exposure to the cold is avoided. If you smoke then you should try to stop, as smoking can make chilblains worse. Medicines are not usually needed. A medicine called nifedipine can open wide (dilate) the small blood vessels and may help to treat chilblains which are not settling within the normal time. Occasionally it may also be used to prevent chilblains in the winter months in people who have recurring symptoms.
Your shoes might also be causing you these painful and itchy chilblains making it a sign that you shouldn’t be wearing them. It’s not worth the pain. You can also try inserting some extra padding between your skin and the problem area. Resist the urge to pop the blister yourself. Clean it with soap and water, and let it heal on its own. If it opens, put a topical antiseptic to avoid infection (and a trip to the podiatric clinic). You might also be wondering what shoes and socks would be best for your feet this winter? Do you have existing foot health conditions that require you to take extra precautions, especially during extreme winter weather? Stop by any local MBT Store or shop online at Official MBT UK store for the right kind of shoes.
Your shoes might also be causing you these painful and itchy chilblains making it a sign that you shouldn’t be wearing them. It’s not worth the pain. You can also try inserting some extra padding between your skin and the problem area. Resist the urge to pop the blister yourself. Clean it with soap and water, and let it heal on its own. If it opens, put a topical antiseptic to avoid infection (and a trip to the podiatric clinic). You might also be wondering what shoes and socks would be best for your feet this winter? Do you have existing foot health conditions that require you to take extra precautions, especially during extreme winter weather? Stop by any local MBT Store or shop online at Official MBT UK store for the right kind of shoes.