Chilblains - Causes, Symptom And Treatment of Chilblains

What is Chilblains?

Chilblains are a painful abnormal reaction of the small blood vessels in the skin when exposed to cold temperatures. Chilblains usually occur several hours after exposure to the cold in temperate humid climates. The cold causes constriction of the small blood vessels in the skin and if rewarming of the skin happens too rapidly, there is leakage of blood into the tissues as the blood vessels do not respond quickly enough to this rewarming. Chilblains are not very common in countries where the cold is more extreme as the air is drier. The living conditions and clothing used in these climates are protective. Chilblains are more likely to develop in those with poor circulation but chilblains are still common in those with good circulation.

Causes of Chilblains

Chilblains are usually caused by an abnormal reaction of the body to the cold. People who have poor circulation, an inadequate diet, or an allergic response to low temperatures are vulerable to chilblains.

Symptoms of Chilblains

The most common symptoms of chilblains are are:

• Itchy, Painful lesion
• Burning sensations at location of the chilblain.

Treatment of Chilblains

Chilblains does not respond well to treatment the most you can do is see your doctor and keep the infected area warm and if you smoke, stop, it will help to increase the blood flow to the infected area.

Topical steroid prescribed by your doctor to help stop the itching and swelling.Do not apply direct heat its best to warm slowly with blankets and warm clothing. Symptoms may clear with in 7-12 days.

Prevention tips of chilblains

• Do not let the skin get cold, where thick wool socks that trap the air around the feet and naturally keep them warm. Wear rubber boots to keep your feet dry. Wrap a wool or tight knitted scarf around your face to keep out the moist cold air.
• Exercise vigorously before going outside.
• Do not smoke. Smoking affects the circulation of small blood vessels that feed into the skin.
• If your feet do get cold avoid using direct heat to warm them such as a fireplace, electric heating blanket, a hot bath or shower. This has been known to cause Chilblains.
• Soak your hands in warm water, warming them thoroughly, but be sure to dry them completely before going out.
• Keep legs and body warm, especially if you have poor circulation.
• Wear warm clothes.