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What are Chilblains?

Chilblains sound rather like something little old ladies get, but in fact, anyone can get chilblains at any age. They are as common in children as they are in elderly people. Chilblains are lumps on the skin which come up as an abnormal reaction to the cold. They are usually red or purplish. They can be itchy or sore. Sometimes they come up when skin is warmed up too quickly after it has been cold. Nobody knows why some people are prone to chilblains and others are luckier and don't get them.

What are the causes of Chilblains?

Although the exact cause of chilblains remains unknown, it is thought to be associated with the body’s reaction to cold weather. Cold weather can cause small blood vessels near the surface of your skin to tighten. Once you warm up, these small vessels may expand too quickly.

For example, if you go from walking in cold tiles or cold floorboards barefoot, and then put your feet in front of the heater, that rapid temperature change essentially causes a spasm in the blood vessels and that can cause them to burst and result in red-purple discoloured toes and sometimes very pale white and that can be quite painful, cold, numb and stinging, some people can have tingling or burning sensation in the digits of the toes and their hands.

Symptoms of Chilblains

Chilblains most often develop on the toes. Common symptoms include:

• Changes in skin colour from red to dark blue, accompanied by pain
• Small, itchy red areas on your skin, often on your feet or hands
• Burning sensation on your skin
• Swelling of your skin
• Dry skin, leading to splits and cracks
• Possible secondary infection
• Possible blistering or skin ulcers

How to Prevent Chilblains?

Keeping your entire body warm at all times is the key to preventing chilblains. Suggestions include:

• Avoid or limit your exposure to cold.
• Dress in layers of loose clothing and wear mittens and warm, water-resistant footwear.
• Dry feet thoroughly after showering or bathing.
• Use woollen or cotton socks to allow your feet to ‘breathe’.
• Keep your home and workplace comfortably warm.
• Have some gentle exercise, like walking, every day to improve peripheral circulation.
• See a podiatrist for regular professional treatments.

Treating chilblains

The first line of treatment for chilblains generally includes measures to keep hands and feet warm and dry, such as keeping your indoor environment warm and dry, using gloves and socks, and changing damp gloves and socks when needed.

If you have ongoing itching, your doctor might prescribe you a chilblain cream to reduce inflammation. If you have poor circulation or diabetes, your chilblains may not heal well.

If your chilblains don't clear up with these home remedies, your doctor might also prescribe blood pressure medications to help open up the small vessels near your skin’s surface. This will also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

When to see a doctor?

Chilblains will usually get better on their own. Seek medical care to check for complications if the pain is unusually severe, if you suspect an infection, or if your symptoms aren't improving after one to two weeks. If the symptoms extend into the warm season, see a doctor rule out other conditions.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, healing may be impaired. Be cautious and seek care.

If you have any questions in regards to chilblains. Please give us a call on (03) 5893 4000 and we'll happy to have organized a consultation for you to implement some management there for you.