What are chilblains?

Chilblains are so common in some countries that the textbooks hardly mention them; they are also so rare in other countries that the textbooks hardly mention them! They are a painful reaction of blood vessels when exposed to cooler temperatures and usually occur in the toes and fingers (and sometimes the nose and ears). Anyone with chilblains will tell you just how painful they are.

Cold causes a closing of the blood vessels in the superficial skin and if rewarming of the skin happens too quickly, there is leakage of blood into the tissues as the vessels do not respond rapidly enough to this rewarming. Chilblains are not very common in countries where the cold is more extreme as the air is drier (hence why is is so rare in some countries and so common in others).

Chilblains look like itchy small red areas on the skin. They become increasingly painful and soon take on a dark blue look. They may also be swollen and cause cracks as they dry out.

Preventing of chilblains:
Keeping feet warm is an important way to prevent chilblains. If the feet do get cold, allow them to warm up slowly (stay away from direct heat soruces until warming has taken place). Smoking also interferes with the circulation and increases the risk of getting a chilblain.

Once a chilblain develops:
* do scratch the itchy chilblains
* avoid direct heat
* use soothing ointments (eg calamine)
* use an antiseptic to prevent the chilblains becoming infected if the skin is broken
* those with diabetes or poor circulation should see a podiatrist.
* thermal or insulating insoles can help keep the foot warm to prevent chilblains
* some natural or homeopathic treatments do appear to help some people. * for any more information on Chilblains, ask at the Foot Health Forum * whatever happens, they will get better in the warmer weather! (also consider moving to a warmer climate!)