Everything about chilblains dermnet

If anyone has ever experienced chills, you're well aware that these itchy pink, red, or purple painful lesions can be infuriating. The recent dip in Victorian temperatures is stark reminder that winter is not far away making this the perfect time to be aware of the possible dangers of chilblains and the best way to avoid them.

What are Chilblains and where are they located?

Chilblains are a type of vasculitis locally confined to a specific area, which leads to the formation of inflammation-related lesions. They typically occur on the toes, fingers and ears. The majority of these lesions show the appearance of a purple or red discoloration along with localized swelling. They are the result of long-term exposure to extreme winds, cold, and damp. Chilblains are believed to have been result of the blood vessels of the toes restraining in response to cold. In turn, once they're rewarmed frequently too fast blood leaks into the tissue and causes localised swelling. Chilblains tend to be itchy. can be painfully tender, and in extreme cases can result in blistering, pustules and skin ulceration on the digits. The typical time span is 7-14 days however they are often longer, particularly if root of the problem is not addressed.

Who are the most at risk

Chilblains mostly occur in people of all ages, including children as well as people with poor peripheral circulation and can happen as a result of diabetes, smoking and peripheral vascular disease. Other factors that can contribute to the problem are hereditary factors, weight loss as well as conditions like Lupus as well as Raynaud's Phenomenon. Although chilblains seem to be more prevalent in people of all ages and in children, they really do not have a preference, and as someone who's spent the last winter fighting to prevent their repetition, I'm sure I relate to the pain and the discomfort they can cause.

Prevention is always better than cure

Get it from a chilblain sufferer, when they complain of these painful, itchy spots, preventative measures are the best alternative. Anybody who is planning to spend an extended period outside during the cooler seasons is advised to take a look at some steps to take, regardless of whether it is part of your typical working day, your frosty early morning run, or your daily 18 holes at the golf course.

One of the major tenets of chilblain treatment is to try to maintain the feet of yours at steady temp as much as is practical. So if your feet are cold , should not be placed directly to the heater Check out or on a hot bottle of water, or take them straight from frigid cold bathroom tiles to an extremely hot shower since they require a gradual rewarming so as to avoid sudden vasodilation of the peripheral vessels.

A few helpful tips include:

* Always wear thick woolen socks or any other natural blend socks always

* Wear closed footwear in the outdoors (keep your toes out of sight)

* Wearing slippers with sheepswool or lambswool on the inside of the home (one of the rare occasions you'll ever wear slippers).

podiatrist condones slippers)

Be sure to not rest with your electric blanket on the bed, instead make use of it to warm your mattress and then make

Make sure the power is off prior to jumping in.

* Put lambswool insoles in your footwear

Regular exercise will help improve peripheral circulation

* Warm up your cold shower tiles using warm water before you enter the shower.

* Make sure your home and office are well insulated and free of cold drafts, if at all possible.


Chilblains and chilblains treatment:

Though prevention is the best option for unharmed and pain-free feet even if you discover yourself with chilblains, there are still plenty of remedies available. Applying Hirudoid Ointment to dilate the peripheral vessels of the toes and help to reduce swelling is a excellent and easy option. This particular ointment is typically used to chilblains definition ease bruising when you have injured your self and is useful in treating Chilblains.

Another treatment option involves the application of multiple layers of Friar's Blosom or cotton wool , applied on toes affected as a protective cocoon. While it's somewhat fiddly, and time-consuming, over my eleven years as a podiatrist have discovered this one of most effective ways to address Chilblains. The procedure involves applying a coat of friar's Bolsom on the toe affected followed by a slender layers of cotton wool. The process is repeated several times. The tackiness of the Friar's Bolsom that causes the layers to stay together, creating an insulation insulate for the top of the toe. using a thin layer of adhesive tape to secure that final layer. They are recommended to be left in place for several of days , then repeated as necessary. It's definitely an unpleasant, messy job but your itchy sore feet will thank you for it!


Diagnosis

It is not necessary to visit your doctor to treat chilblains. If you do visit your doctorfor a visit, he will be able detect your skin condition through studying it and discussing to you about recent exposure to cold. This may also include screening your circulation.


The doctor may perform further tests, such as a skin biopsy, to exclude other causes for the symptoms and signs you are experiencing.


Treatment

First line of treatment for chilblains generally involves measures to keep feet and hands warm and dry to keep your indoor area dry and warm by using gloves and socks, and switching your socks and gloves whenever needed.


If you're not able to clear your chilblains through these remedies Check out Your doctor might recommend treatment options, including:


Nifedipine (Procardia). This blood pressure medication helps treat Chilblains. It helps to open blood vessels and improve circulation. These side effects can include nausea, flushing, dizziness and swelling of the feet or hands.

Corticosteroid cream applied to the skin. Applying a corticosteroid cream to your chilblains is a good way to help them disappear.