Chilblains is a painful swelling accompanied by red, burning, itching feeling on the skin and intensified when coming in from out of the cold. In a lot of cases the skin over the Chilblain will break down causing a sore that may become infected if not treated with an antibiotic.

Causes of Chilblains

The exact cause of chilblains isn't known, but they are due to blood vessel shut-down in cold conditions. Factors that contribute to tendency to chilblains include :-

A familial tendency.
Poor circulation.
Anemia.
Poor nutrition.
Hormonal changes.
Some connective tissue disorders.
Some bone marrow disorders.

Symptoms of Chilblains

The most common symptoms of chilblains are are:

Itchy, Painful lesion.
Burning sensations at location of the chilblain.

Treatment of Chilblains

The best Treatment to Treat with chilblains keep the feet warm by wearing woollen socks or slippers, and avoid overheating cold feet, ie. by using hot showers or direct heat like hot water bottles. Medication is sometimes used to prevent chilblains in people who have recurring chilblains. Treatments your doctor may use include cortisone creams, ointment or patches that dilate blood vessels, and occasionally, tablets that improve blood flow to the affected area.

Prevention Tips of Chilblains

Insulated and heated home and workplace stop up all draughts.
Warm clothing especially gloves, thick woollen socks and comfortable protective footwear. Keep the head and neck warm with hat and scarf.
Before going outside, soak hands in warm water for several minutes to warm hands through then dry thoroughly.
Exercise vigourously before going outside.
Wear cotton-lined waterproof gloves for wet work.
Apply sunscreen to exposed skin even on dull days.
Take vasodilator medication such as nifedipine prescribed before the onset of cold weather and taken throughout winter. Side effects include flushing and headache.
Do not smoke. Smoking affects the circulation of small blood vessels that feed into the skin.

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