Chilblains

Chilblains are skin condition which occurs as an inflammatory reaction when the micro- or small-circulation in the skin does not respond adequately to a change from being colder to warmer. Chilblains usually initially start as a small reddish and often itchy patches on the toe. Chilblains often get more painful and develop a dark blue colouration. The skin can break as they dry out the skin. The exact cause of chilblains is not known, but they do almost alway occur after an area of skin has got cold and is warmed up to quickly for the microcirculation to respond. Because of this waste products build up in the skin causing the inflammation that results in the chilblain. They are not actually due to poor circulation as such, but are more due to how the circulation responds to temperature change from cold to warm. Those with healthy circulation also get chilblains. Damp living conditions may also possible play a role in causing chilblains.

If you develop a chilblain do not rub or scratch the chilblain. Avoid putting the foot in front of a direct heat source like a bar heater, but instead use woollen socks to keep warm. If the skin does break down, use an antiseptic to prevent infection. To prevent chilblains from occuring, it is extremely important to prevent the feet from getting cold in the first place and it they do get cold, then only warming them up very slowly amd avoiding direct soruces of heat.

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