Guide
How To Treat Chilblains at Home: Symptoms & Remedies
Everyone loves winter for its cool air and beautiful scenery, but it also brings health risks such as the flu, colds, and conditions like chilblains. Low temperatures can make your hands and feet numb, cold, and frozen, leading to chilblains upon exposure.
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Chilblains appear as swollen red lumps on your fingers and toes that are itchy and painful. To relieve them, seek warmth from a hot shower, hot beverages, or an electric blanket.
While chilblains can often be treated at home, the ideal approach is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Fortunately, chilblains seldom require medical treatment unless scratched, which can lead to infection. The primary step in treating chilblains is to avoid rubbing or scratching the affected area. Though you may feel the urge to scratch due to itching, this can cause the skin to break, worsening the situation.
Persistent scratching can break the skin, increasing the chance of infection. It’s crucial to avoid disturbing the affected fingers and toes and improve blood flow. Let’s explore how to treat chilblains at home effectively.
- First and foremost, keep your body warm. Wear gloves and socks to ensure your fingers and toes stay warm. Additionally, layering with jackets, scarves, and hats is important for overall warmth.
- If you are sensitive to cold or prone to infections, chilblains can occur even with minimal exposure, so take precautions to stay safe.
- Avoid cigarette smoking, as it can aggravate chilblains.
As mentioned earlier, chilblains typically don’t require medical intervention. However, if they worsen, develop into sores, or begin to swell significantly, it’s essential to seek medical advice. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed to improve blood supply to the affected areas.
What are Chilblains?
Chilblains, also known as erythema pernio, are small, itchy swellings that cause burning sensations on the skin. They can be quite painful and usually occur due to cold weather. When exposed to cold, our capillaries constrict to retain warmth in the body, potentially leading to heat loss through the skin.
Rapid warming of the feet can trigger fluid leakage and blood flow disturbance, contributing to chilblains. This process results in redness, irritation, and itchiness, which can sometimes lead to skin breakdown and potential ulceration.
Who is More Prone to Getting Chilblains?
- Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing chilblains, including:
- Smokers, as cigarette smoke can constrict arteries and heighten the risk of peripheral arterial disease.
- Individuals with connective tissue disorders such as lupus.
- People diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome.
- Those with a family history of chilblains.
- Diabetic patients experiencing poor circulation.
- Anyone who neglects to cover their feet and fingers when outdoors.
What are the Symptoms of Chilblains?
Symptoms of chilblains can include discolored patches of skin on the toes and fingers, and may also appear on the legs and ears. Common symptoms associated with chilblains include:
- Itching
- Burning sensations
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Blistering
- Redness
- Numbness
- Bleeding lesions
The affected areas may turn blue if they become swollen and congested. Chilblains typically last for one to two weeks and can be alleviated with proper treatment. They primarily affect the extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, nose, and bony areas.
Once the swelling subsides, cracks may form in the skin, which can increase the risk of infection.
How Are Chilblains Diagnosed?
The symptoms mentioned above can help identify chilblains, but a healthcare professional may perform a physical examination for a definitive diagnosis. They will inquire about recent cold exposure and related symptoms.
In serious cases of swelling or infection, a doctor may recommend a biopsy. This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the affected area for microscopic analysis to rule out other skin conditions, including skin cancer.
For individuals frequently prone to chilblains, recognizing them may be easier. However, if you’ve never experienced them before or have concerns about your symptoms, consulting a doctor can ensure it’s not a serious condition, like vasculitis or cold urticaria.
How To Treat Chilblains at Home?
The primary cause of chilblains is poor blood circulation. To address this issue, incorporate foods that enhance blood circulation into your diet. Some beneficial spices include:
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Cayenne
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Onion
Read More: Best Herbs to Improve Blood Circulation
In addition to these spices, incorporating essential fatty acids into your diet is vital for circulatory health. Try adding sesame seeds, almonds, and oats, which are excellent sources of these fatty acids.
Niacin, a B vitamin, is often recommended for improving circulation to minor capillaries, so consider taking vitamin supplements under medical supervision.
Since chilblains typically affect bony areas, ensure you’re consuming calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and K, and fiber-rich foods. If tolerated, these can also be taken as supplement capsules.
Proper footwear is another essential remedy. Opt for cotton, bamboo, or woolen socks, and choose canvas or leather shoes during winter. Avoid walking barefoot on cold surfaces.
Prepare your living space for winter by utilizing room heaters and warm floor rugs to keep your environment cozy.
Exercise also plays a significant role in effective home treatment for chilblains. Physical activity boosts blood circulation and helps maintain body warmth. Simple cardiovascular exercises can elevate body temperature and improve blood flow:
- Stand with your legs apart and extend your arms horizontally.
- Jump while keeping your arms at your sides and legs together.
- Jump again to return to the starting position.
- Repeat this sequence as many times as you can.
Best Home Remedies for Chilblains
Here are some effective home remedies to alleviate chilblains:
First, resist the urge to scratch, as this can compromise the skin barrier and lead to infections.
Wash the affected areas with warm, salted water. This soothing method can reduce itching, eliminate harmful bacteria, and expedite healing. It can also help alleviate redness and puffiness.
You can wash or soak the affected areas in this solution, but ensure the water isn’t too hot to avoid further skin damage.
Note that warm water treatments may not be suitable for individuals with diabetes, as they may experience neuropathy, making temperature regulation difficult and risking severe burns.
For others, this treatment can be repeated several times a day for best results.
If itching persists, consider using calamine lotion or witch hazel to soothe the affected areas.
Currently, there are no specific medications that can completely cure chilblains for those who are prone to them. Most treatments aim to alleviate symptoms.
Before attempting any home remedies for chilblains, confirm that you are indeed dealing with this condition. If you’re unfamiliar with chilblains or unsure about your symptoms, consult a podiatrist. They can examine the affected areas and determine if it is chilblains or another issue, allowing you to receive the appropriate treatment and advice.
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