Coping With Chilblains

Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, looks at the symptoms and what you should do.

CHILBLAINS are common in cold weather and usually appear on extremities such as the ears, fingers, toes, heels and nose. This is because these areas are often inadequately protected from the cold.

Patches of skin may become itchy, red, shiny and swollen and may, in some cases, blister.

You may feel a burning sensation in the area of the affected skin, which can be tender and painful to touch.

Dr Emma Blamont, Head of Research for Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK), says, “It’s thought one in ten people are affected at some stage of their life.

“It’s not clear why some people get chilblains when their skin gets cold.

“The cold causes the tiny blood vessels close to the surface of the skin to constrict, reducing the blood flow to those areas.

“When you warm up, especially if too quickly, the small blood vessels may refill with blood too quickly and there may be some leakage of fluid to the blood vessels. This causes redness and swelling.”

Chilblains can affect anyone, but they are more prevalent in older women, those with a family history of the condition, individuals with poor circulation, underweight people and those with Raynaud’s.

“Having chilblains doesn’t mean that you have Raynaud’s since both conditions are related to poor circulation in the extremities.”

Chilblains usually go away on their own in a couple of weeks, although you should avoid scratching as this can lead to infection.

Over-the-counter painkillers can be used to manage any pain.

Dr Blamont also suggests calamine lotion and witch hazel, as well as antiseptic on broken chilblains.

“Make sure that the affected areas are kept clean and covered with a loose bandage or compress such as a melolin pad and avoid rubbing from clothing or footwear,” she suggests.

“Corticosteroid creams can help prevent itching and you may be able to buy lower strength creams over the counter.

“Your pharmacist should be able to advise on this.”

You should contact a doctor if there is no improvement in three weeks.

“Consult your GP if there is pus, you have a high temperature or feel shivery or you have other conditions that can affect wound healing, such as diabetes,” Dr Blamont says.

There are steps you can take to avoid chilblains. Dress warmly when going out in cold and damp weather and ensure that exposed skin such as fingers, toes and ears are completely covered by wearing warm gloves and thick socks.

“Make sure clothing doesn’t reduce blood flow by being too tight and restrictive,” Dr Blamont adds.

Don’t make the mistake of warming hands and feet quickly on a radiator or under hot water. Warm up slowly by using clothing or a blanket.

For further information visit www.sruk.co.uk or call the helpline on 0800 311 2756. ■