Chilblains are small, red swellings on the skin that can often be painful and itchy. They usually occur on the extremities, particularly the hands, feet, ears and nose, but it is possible to get them on other areas of the body. Chilblains are a common ailment among residents of cooler climates.
Chilblains occur when the skin gets cold and causes the blood vessels under the skin to tighten. This slows down the blood supply to the skin. When the skin becomes warm again, the blood vessel can’t cope with the sudden expansion and fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing the chilblains.
Symptoms occur several hours after the skin has been exposed to the cold. The symptoms will get worse if the sufferer goes into a warmer room. In the worst cases, the skin will break and may develop into an ulcer.
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Burning
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Itching
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Swelling
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Redness
If the skin breaks into an ulcer or you suspect your chilblains have become infected, consult your doctor immediately. Otherwise, follow these simple tips:
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Prevention is better than cure. If you know you suffer with chilblains, keep your extremities warm. Wear thick socks, gloves and a hat that covers your ears in winter.
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Regular exercise will help improve your circulation and decrease the likelihood of chilblains becoming a re-occurring problem.
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Stopping smoking will also increase your circulation.
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Ask your Pharmacist for a mixture of friar’s balsam and a weak solution of iodine and paint your chilblains with the solution.
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Don’t scratch! This could break the skin and cause infection.
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Don’t apply direct heat to an extremely cold area. Try warming up slower and be sure to wrap hot water bottles in a towel or blanket before placing them on the skin.
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