Cures for Chilblains
Chilblains, also called perniosis and blain. Chilblains are a painful abnormal process of the small blood vessels in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures. Chilblains are common. It is estimated that about 1 in 10 people in the UK get chilblains at some stage in their life. It is not stated why some people get chilblains when their skin gets cold. It is probably because of ‘poor circulation’ in the extremities (toes, fingers, etc). The starting symptoms include burning and itching in the area of the developing chilblain. These symptoms are often aggravated when going into a warm room. There is normally some type of swelling and redness. In many cases, the skin over the chilblain can crush down and becomes an ulcer. An infection may form in the chilblain. Chilblains are less often in countries where the cold is more extreme as the air is drier and people have specifically designed living conditions and clothing. Chilblains are more probably to occur in those with poor peripheral circulation i.e. blue-red mottled skin on the limbs.
In children, chilblains may occur each winter for a couple of years and then vanish completely. They can also develops on the wrists of babies. A chilblain habitually looks like a red, swollen lesion. Some people’s circulation is so sensible that only small changes in temperature is enough. A typical history for the growth of chilblains is after being outside in the cold, the foot is placed next to a heat source when coming back inside. The most prevention treatment for chilblains is nifedipine may be used in more severe or recurrent cases. Warm clothing specially gloves, thick woollen socks and comfortable preventive footwear. Keep the head and neck warm with hat and scarf. Exercise forcefully before going outside. Wear cotton-lined waterproof gloves for wet work. Apply sunscreen to unprotected skin even on dull days. Before going outside, soak hands in warm water for some minutes to warm hands then dry thoroughly. Use calamine lotion or witch hazel to ease the itching. Your chemist may also provisde a suitable product.
Lanolin or a similar lotion which is rubbed into the feet will help motivate the circulation. Regularly cosset and condition the skin of your feet with home pedicures. Vitamin C works as an anti-inflammatory and speeds the healing of tissues. Niacin advances circulation and creates a warm flush in many people. Circulatory stimulating herbs like ginger may also be helpful when taken in tea form. Calcium phosphate has also been conventionally used to treat and prevent chilblains. Bioflavonoids help maintain capillary and connective tissue strength. A steroid cream scrubbed onto the chilblains may remove itch and soreness. Eat lots of fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre, filtered water and include warming spices in your diet, such as ginger, mustard, chilli and curry. If the skin is broken, use an antiseptic dressing to protect the chilblains becoming infected. Thermal or insulating insoles can assist keep the foot warm to prevent chilblains. Topical corticosteroid cream applied accurately for a few days to relieve itch and swelling. Antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics for secondary infection. Leg warmers and thick woollen socks may be helpful.
Chilblains Treatment Tips
1. Avoid scratching.
2. A steroid cream rubbed onto the chilblains may reduce itch and soreness.
3. Use soothing lotions such as calamine
4. Smoking contributes to chilblains – get advice and support to quit smoking
5. A healthy diet and regular exercise also help protect against chilblains by improving the circulation
6. Circulatory stimulating herbs such as ginger may also be helpful when taken in tea form.
7. Calcium phosphate has also been traditionally used to treat and prevent chilblains.
8. Bioflavonoids help maintain capillary and connective tissue strength.
9. Corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling.
10. Leg warmers and thick woollen socks may be of benefit.
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