Chilblains

Chilblains | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Skin, hair and nails Chilblains Chilblains Chilblains are small, itchy swellings on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures. They most often affect the bodys extremities, such as the toes, fingers, heels, ears and nose. Chilblainscan beuncomfortable, but rarely cause any permanent damage.They normally heal within a few weeks iffurther exposure to the cold is avoided. Chilblains can turn the skin red and may cause a burning or stinging sensation. Source: https://dermnetnz.org/ In severe cases, chilblains can cause the skin to blister. Source: https://dermnetnz.org/ Signs and symptoms of chilblains Chilblainsusually develop several hours after exposure to the cold. Theytypically cause a burning and itching sensation in the affected areas, whichcan become more intense if you go into a warm room. The affected skin may also swell and turn red or dark blue. In severe cases, the surface of the skin may break and sores or blisters can develop. Its importantnot to scratch the skin as it can break easily and become infected. When to seek medical advice for chilblains Most people dont need to seek medical advice if they have chilblains as they usually heal within a few weeks and dont cause any permanent problems. Speak to your GP or chiropodist if you have: severe or recurring chilblains chilblains that dont improve within a few weeks You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may have become infected. Signs of infection include: swelling and pus forming in the affected area feeling generally unwell a high temperature (fever)of 38C (100.4F) or above swollen glands What causes chilblains? Chilblains are the result ofan abnormal reaction to the cold.Theyre common in the UKbecause damp, cold weather is usual in the winter. Some people develop chilblains that last for several monthsevery winter. When the skin is cold, blood vessels near its surface get narrower.If the skin is then exposed to heat, the blood vessels become wider. If this happens too quickly, blood vessels near the surface of the skin cant always handle the increased blood flow. This can cause blood toleak into the surrounding tissue, which may cause theswelling and itchiness associated with chilblains. Whos more at risk of chilblains? Some people are more at risk of chilblains than others. This includes people with: poor circulation a family history of chilblains regular exposure to cold, damp or draughty conditions a poor diet or low body weight lupus  a long-term condition that causes swelling in the bodys tissues Raynauds phenomenon a common condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body, usually the fingers and toes People who smoke are more at risk of chilblains as nicotine constricts blood vessels. Chilblains can also occur on areas of the feetexposed to pressure, such as a bunion or a toe thats squeezed by tight shoes. Treating chilblains Chilblains often get better on their own after a week or twowithout treatment. It may help to use a soothing lotion, such as calamine or witch hazel, to relieve itching. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend a suitable product. If your chilblains are severe and keep returning, speak to your GP. They may recommend taking a daily tablet or capsule of a medication called nifedipine. This works by relaxing the blood vessels, improving your circulation. Nifedipine can be used to help existing chilblains heal, or can be taken during the winter tostopthem developing. Preventing chilblains If youre susceptible to chilblains, you canreduce your risk of developing themby: limiting your exposure to the cold looking after your feet taking stepsto improve your circulation If your skin gets cold, its important to warm it up gradually. Heating the skin too quicklyfor example, by placing your feet in hot water or near a heateris one of the main causes of chilblains. Do stop smoking  nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, which can make chilblains worse keep active  this helps improve your circulation wear warm clothes and insulate your hands, feet and legs  wearing long johns, long boots, tights, leg warmers or long socks will help, and its a good idea to wear a clean pair of socks if you get cold feet in bed avoid tight shoes and boots  these can restrict the circulation to your toes and feet moisturise your feet regularly  this stops them drying out and the skin cracking eat at least one hot meal during the day  thisll help warm your whole body, particularly in cold weather warm your shoes on the radiator before you put them on  make sure damp shoes are dry before you wear them; if your feet are already cold, make sure your shoes arent too hot to avoid causing chilblains warm your hands before going outdoors  soak them in warm water for several minutes and dry thoroughly, and wear cotton-lined waterproof gloves if necessary; if your hands are already cold, make sure not to warm them up too quickly to avoid causing chilblains keep your house well heated  try to keep one room in the house warm and avoid drafts if youre diabetic, regularly check your feet (or ask someone else to do this)  people with diabetes may not be able to feel their feet and could have infected chilblains without realising it Complications of chilblains If you havesevereor recurring chilblains, theres a small risk of further problems developing, such as: infection from blistered or scratched skin ulcers forming on the skin permanent discolouration of the skin scarring of the skin Avoiding complications of chilblains Its often possible to avoid complications of chilblains. Dont do not scratch or rub the affected areas of skin do not directly overheat the chilblains (by using hot water, for example) You can also help reduce your risk of infection bycleaning any breaks in your skin with antiseptic and covering the area withan antiseptic dressing. The dressing should be changed every other day until the skin heals. If the skin does become infected, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 25 November 2022 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. 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