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Ilkeston
Chiropody Centre
Beeston
Chiropody Centre
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Ilkeston
Chiropody Centre
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Chilblains
Foot Care
What are chilblains?
Chilblains are small red, hot, itchy swellings that usually
appear on the skin of the fingers and toes.
What causes chilblains?
Chilblains develop as a result of the skins abnormal reaction to
the cold. In cold and damp weather, if the skin is cooled down and then rapidly
heated, a chilblain may develop, for example if feet or hands have been warmed
by a fire or radiator.
Anyone can develop chilblains, though some people are more susceptible than
others:
- Those with a poor circulation such as the elderly
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Young adults who work outdoors
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People who wear tights or thin socks and shoes in cold
weather
-
People with conditions such as Raynauld's phenomenon and
anaemia
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Women are more prone than men
What are the signs & symptoms of chilblains?
It is common to experience one or more of the following signs
and symptoms with chilblains:
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Red, itchy, burning, painful swelling of the skin
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The tips of toes or fingers, nose, earlobes and areas of
high pressure such as bunions and clawed toes can be affected
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The chilblain can swell, becoming a dark blue colour before
drying out and cracking
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Cracking of the skin can increase the risk of infection and
ulceration, particularly if the circulation is poor
Treatment of chilblains
- Do not scratch! To relieve itching, apply a soothing lotion such as calamine, or
witch hazel
- If the skin isn't broken, see a pharmacist for an over the
counter preparation such as friars balsam to apply to the affected area
- If the skin has broken, cover with a dry dressing to prevent
infection and try and keep dry until the area has healed
- If the skin ulcerates or fails to heal, contact a Podiatrist
or GP
- Diabetics should contact their podiatrist or GP immediately
- Keep feet warm and at an even temperature - this will aid
healing and prevent further chilblains from developing
What can a Podiatrist do?
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Identify whether a chilblain has developed and if the skin
has broken
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Check for signs of infection
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Treat and dress areas of broken skin and ulceration
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Advise on suitable treatments available from the pharmacy
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Give advice on preventing recurrence
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Some podiatrists can prescribe antibiotics for local
infections
Prevention of chilblains
Most chilblains develop during the winter months so extra care
needs to be taken during this time. Look after your feet during cold spells and
damp weather too by following this advice:
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Do not allow your feet to be exposed to direct heat sources
by resting them close to radiators, electric fires, heaters, electric
blankets and hot water bottles
-
Keep feet warm and at an even temperature by wearing socks
made of natural fibres such as cotton and wool
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It is better to wear two pairs of thinner socks than one
pair of thick socks. Warm air is trapped between the layers helping to
insulate the feet
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Avoid wearing shoes made of thin materials, especially those
with a thin sole. Invest in shoes or boots with a fleece or wool lining
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To avoid tightness and discomfort, ensure there is
sufficient room in your shoes for extra layers of socks
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Lanolin based creams and ointments applied to the skin can
help the feet retain heat
-
Speak to a Podiatrist for advise on how to care for your
feet throughout the year
Athletes Foot | Chilblains | Corns | Cracked Heels | Nail Surgery
Fungal Nail Infection | Sweaty Feet | Toenails | Verruca
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