![]() Frostbite, dry and cracking skin, and other problems leave your feet and digits aching. If you are a smoker, quit to improve your circulation and help prevent further episodes of chilblains.Cold weather can walk all over your foot comfort, turning your toes icy and painful. It’s better to heat the room and warm up gradually.įor those with severe or recurrent chilblains, medicine to dilate your blood vessels and prevent chilblains may be recommended for when the weather is cold. Don’t put your hands or feet directly in front of a heater or use a heat pack to warm them up. If you’ve been out in the cold, avoid warming up your hands and feet too quickly. Keep your home warm in winter and wear layers of warm clothing to keep your whole body warm to help prevent chilblains. Wear a scarf, hat, gloves and warm socks when it’s cold outside. If you are temperature-sensitive you should always try to keep warm and avoid extreme changes in temperature. If chilblains become infected, antibiotics may be needed. They may also recommend you apply a dressing over the ointment. If your chilblains are painful or not healing after a week or 2, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointment to be applied to the affected area. Lanolin-based creams that you can get from your pharmacy or simple moisturisers can be applied to ease irritation and itch. Don’t apply direct heat or heat packs to the affected area, as sudden changes in temperature can aggravate chilblains.Ĭhilblains are often itchy, but should not be scratched as this can slow down healing and if the skin breaks it can lead to infection. It’s important to keep yourself warm and dry – cover up when outdoors and keep your home warm. ![]() Treatment for chilblainsĬhilblains will usually heal themselves within a few weeks with self-care measures but in some cases treatment may be needed. In some cases, a skin biopsy (sample of skin from the affected area) may be recommended. ![]() Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist if the diagnosis is in doubt or if you have ongoing problems with chilblains. Tests are rarely needed, but blood tests may be recommended to rule out possible causes or related conditions. The diagnosis of chilblains can usually be made based on your symptoms and the appearance of the lesions. Your GP (general practitioner) will ask about your symptoms and examine the affected area of skin. If you have diabetes or a circulation disorder, see a doctor as soon as possible after developing chilblains. the chilblains become cracked or sore or.In many cases, chilblains will clear up on their own. infection – often arising from scratching or from blistered skin.ComplicationsĬomplications from chilblains can include: Smoking also increases the risk of chilblains because it constricts your blood vessels and increases the risk of problems with circulation. People who are underweight and those who are sensitive to the cold and have poor circulation are also more likely to get chilblains.Ĭonditions that can increase your risk of chilblains include: Children, older people and those with a family history of the condition may also be at increased risk. Women tend to get chilblains more frequently than men. That’s because people living in areas that get particularly cold in the winter time tend to be better set up for the conditions.Ĭhilblains should not be confused with frostbite. This causes swelling and inflammation, resulting in chilblains.Ĭhilblains are more common in cold, rather than freezing temperatures. Warming up cold skin very quickly is thought to cause an abnormal reaction in the small blood vessels in the skin in susceptible people. The exact cause is not known, but a sudden change in temperature from cold to warm seems to be important. CausesĬhilblains are inflammatory lesions in the skin that develop after ongoing or repeated exposure to cold air, especially if the air is also damp or if it’s windy. In some cases, they may form blisters containing clear fluid, or in severe cases can develop into ulcers. Chilblains usually heal on their own in one to 3 weeks.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |