Chilblains

The small swellings that develop on the skin with an itchy nature are known as chilblains. They are known medically as pernio. These are not painful in the beginning, but they develop pain in the later stages. Vasculitis where the blood vessels of the skin develop inflammation, in its local form is termed as chilblains.

The chilblains are areas of the skin, which are discoloured to purple or red. The places where these are usually found are the feet soles, toes as well as the heels’ back. But exposed parts of the body like fingers, ears and nose can also be affected with pernio.

Symptoms

If a person is exposed to the cold for a short time continuously, he may develop chilblains. Usually people feel an itching and burning sensation of the feet and hands, if they expose themselves to cold for some time. This intensifies when they move on to a warm room.

These people also tend to develop reddishness on the skin as well as swelling of the skin. In severe cases of chilblains, the splitting up of the skin causing sores may be experienced by people. It can even result in the development of skin ulcers.

The normal time taken for the chilblains to heal is three weeks.

Causes

The most common cause of this condition is the reaction of the body in an abnormal way towards the cold. The blood vessels present at the extremities of the body like those in the toes tend to become narrow by constriction. The blood vessels may burst causing the fluid to leak to the tissues present in the surrounding because of its inability to manage the sudden expansion. The fluid that leaks out to the tissue results in the irritation as well as swelling of the tissues.

The other triggers of chilblains are:

• draughty conditions
• damp weather
• genetically linked
• improper diet
• imbalances in the hormones
• smoking
• disorders of bone marrow.
• any disease of the connective tissue like Raynauds, where the constriction of the fingers’ blood vessels occur.

Treatment

One can use of a mixture of a weak iodine solution and friar’s balsam or any drug available over the counter containing the same combination for the treatment of chilblains. But if the chilblains are infected, then one cannot use this.

Foam dressings can be used in cases where the chilblains occur as a result of the pressure caused by wearing tight shoes. This will help to cushion the area by insulating them.

One can apply lanolin ointment, in the night, to keep the skin of the feet supple.

One must visit the doctor in case the chilblains become sore or septic.

Use of antiseptic lotion or cream is advised to prevent the chilblains from getting septic. Sometimes antibiotics will also be used to control the infection.

Dilation of the blood vessels must be done for those people whom suffer from recurring episodes of chilblains.

Prevention

• For improved circulation, be active.
• Try to keep the body warm always.
• Avoid wearing tight footwear.
• Keep the feet moisturised.
• Have hot meals during cold weather.