Chilblains

Understanding Chilblains: Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Chilblains are an inflammatory skin condition related to an abnormal response to the cold. They are usually found on the toes, fingers, ears, and nose. Chilblains usually present 12-24 hours after exposure to cold and spontaneously. They appear can appear as red/purple discolouration, localised swelling, and can present as an itch or burning pain.

Some Risk factors for chilblains include:

• Smoking

• Low body mass index and poor nutrition

• Occupational hazard for outdoor workers, such as fishermen and farmers

• Underlying connective tissue disorders, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus

• It is also reported that 20-40% of cases are without a cause (Vano-Galvan and Martorell, 2011)

How to Treat Chilblains

• Avoiding exposure to cold/wet environments if possible

• cessation of smoking

• exercise to keep warm and improve circulation prevention is Key: Tips for Avoiding Chillblains in Cold Weather

• Creams for chilblains such as our preferred cream at Dunford Health called akilwinter foot cream

If Your chilblains do not settle with these self treatments it will be worth speaking to your GP about Topical Nitroglycerin is helps to dilate your blood vessels or a systemic nifedipine should your chilblains not continue to improve

Tips for Avoiding Chillblains in Cold Weather

• Wearing waterproof socks if you are outdoors, such as Sealskinz socks. They help to keep your feet warm and dry. One of the reasons why people get chilblains is because their feet get wet from sweat or water, and by providing an impenetrable barrier, waterproof socks, and shoes will help prevent chilblains.

• Gradual exposure to heat: Gradual exposure to heat will gently dilate the blood vessels in your toes to allow steady blood flow into your toes. Another reason why people have chilblains is they have a sudden rush of warmth to their toes from a fire, radiator, hot water, or going from outdoors to indoors. Sudden heat will dramatically dilate your blood vessels causing a fast flow of blood into your toes causing discomfort