chilblain, causes of chilblain, home remedies for chilblain, chilblain prevention tips

A chilblain is a small, itchy, red swelling on the skin which can be very painful in damp and mild winters. Chilblain usually occur on the smaller toes but, extremities such as the toes, nose, fingers and ear lobes are most at risk. People who do to be overly sensitive to changes in weather and temperature are most susceptible to developing chilblains.

What causes Chilblain?

Chilblain are usually caused by an abnormal reaction of the body to the cold. Chilblain 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 re warming of the skin is very rapid then this can result in the leakage of blood into the tissues as the blood vessels do not respond quickly enough to this re warming. Factors that contribute to tendency to chilblain include -

• a familial tendency,
• tight shoes,
• poor circulation, anemia,
• abrupt temperature changes,
• poor nutrition,
• hormonal changes and
• some connective tissue and bone marrow disorders

Smoking also interferes with the circulation in the small blood vessels and increases the risk of getting chilblain. Damp living conditions may also increase the risk for chilblain.

What to do if Chilblain occurs?

Once chilblain have occurred - avoid direct heat to the affected area, but keep the feet warm by the use of woolen socks and footwear. Do not rub or scratch chilblains. If you think the skin is broken, use an antiseptic dressing to prevent the chilblain becoming infected. Corns and callus are common in the pressure areas where chilblains can occur, so reduction of these will give some pain relief.

Preventing Chilblain: How to prevent Chilblain?

Your doctor and a Podiatrist can help you in chilblains prevention. Some methods of preventing chilblain are -

1. Keeping your feet warm is an important way to prevent chilblains - wear several layers of clothing, which trap body heat more efficiently than one bulky layer.

2. Padding and pressure relief may give some relief for the chilblain symptoms.

3. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and don't squeeze your toes.

4. Do not let the feet become exposed to any direct source of heat, especially if the foot is very cold - this is a common factor causing chilblain.

5. Regularly pamper and condition the skin of your feet with home pedicures.

6. Wear warm clothes.

7. Thermal or insulating insoles can help keep the foot warm to prevent chilblain.

8. Exercise regularly to improve peripheral circulation.

Treatments for Chilblain

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Chilblain includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

• Avoid scratching
• Anti-itch creams
• Calamine lotion
• Keep area warm

The best treatment is to avoid having the chilblain problem in the first place by - wearing proper protection against the cold.

Even though you may be used to working in the cold you should not overlook the effects of prolonged exposure, while in some circumstances which make you feel hot, e.g. skiing it is easy to underestimate the effects of cold on exposed areas.

The extremities and nose should be properly protected for proper cure of chilblain. If you do notice a white spot of damaged skin try to get into the warm and to warm up the area affected by rubbing it.

Antibiotic creams may be useful if the skin ulcerates.

Recommended Natural Home Remedies for Chilblain -

There are a number of natural or home remedies that are recommended for the treatment of chilblains. Some suggestions for treating chilblain at home are follows here -

1. Egg and Honey : Honey will cicatrize open chilblain.Take a tablespoon of honey, a little glycerin, and one egg white. Then add to this a little flour to make a paste. Apply all over the chilblain. Leave it on for 6-8 hours and then wash off gently.

2. Lanolin (Heparin ointment)or similar rubbed into the feet will help retain body heat.

3. Wash ulcerated chilblains with tincture of myrrh diluted with warm water.

4. Use soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine.

5. Anoint cracked chilblain with Sultana pomatum, and cover with a soft, fine cloth. Cracked chilblains are difficult to cure in winter.

6. Gentle exercise will improve circulation to your feet.

Professional treatment in case of severe chilblain -

Severe, ulcerating or recurring chilblain need professional attention. A qualified podiatrist can treat your chilblain and offer advice on prevention. If you have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, see your doctor if your chilblain ulcerate.

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