Why do I get chilblains during winter?

What are chilblains?

Chilblains are what they sound like.

Your blood arteries in the skin constrict, resulting in a painful reddish-bluish rash on the skin. Chilblains are common in the winter.

As a general rule, chilblains appear in the hands and feet. People with weak circulation and those who live in colder climates are more likely to have chilblains. Chilblains are more common in young women, the elderly, those with a low body mass index, and those who smoke.

What are the symptoms of chilblains?

In general, chilblains appear as red or blue bumps on the hands, feet, ears, or cheeks that are itchy and irritating. Chilblains are common during abrupt cold episodes, and the first symptoms include burning and itching, which might worsen as the region is warmed up. If the chilblain becomes infected, the skin barrier is breached, and recovery is slowed by the bronchospasm of the blood vessels, making it more susceptible to infection.

How can I prevent chilblains?

The easiest way to do this is to follow the recommendations given below. Maintaining a regular temperature on your feet is key to preventing this.

·         Leg warmers, woolen socks, and sheepskin shoes should be worn to keep feet warm.

·         A hot water bottle or a heater should not be used to heat your feet as this may result in burns.

·         Cigarette smoking affects peripheral circulation by thickening the blood and limiting blood flow, resulting in decreased blood flow and less oxygen to the tissues. It is best not to smoke to avoid chilblains and other health conditions.

What can be done to treat chilblains?

Chilblains may be treated with self-management. Regarding self-management, here are some guidelines to follow and others to avoid.

·         If you have medical conditions, you should consult a podiatrist.

·         Never pick or squeeze an inflamed region.

·         Calamine lotion and other over-the-counter medication may be used to soothe irritated skin after consultation with your doctor.

·         Broken skin should be treated with antiseptic dressing to avoid infection of the chilblains.

·         If you're a smoker, your circulation will benefit from exercise and cessation of tobacco use.

A podiatrist has a wide range of therapeutic options at their disposal. The following is a list of possible treatments:

·         Our clinic can offer paraffin wax treatments which is an add-on to our medical pedicure treatment that may soothe the skin.

·         Chilblain symptoms may be relieved with padding.

·         Removing the calluses and corns that build up to where chilblains are most likely to occur will help alleviate symptoms.

·         Raynaud's phenomenon or another medical ailment may cause your chilblains.

Treatment for lower limb skin disorders is common at Bondi Podiatry and our Bondi Junction podiatrists can help you diagnose and manage foot conditions. Our Eastern Suburbs Sydney podiatrists can perform a comprehensive dermatological examination and determine the best treatment for your feet. Booking an appointment online with our clinic.