Chilblains can present as itchy, tender red and purple swellings found on the extremities of the body, in response to cold. It is commonly found on the tips of the nose, ears lobes, tips of fingers, toes and over bunions.
Chilblains are more common in the very young, or the elderly who have poor circulation, and if left untreated may ulcerate.
Causes of Chilblains:
- Hereditary.
- Peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation).
- Smoking.
- Poor nutrition.
- Hormonal changes.
- Certain connective tissue and bone marrow diseases.
Symptoms of Chilblains:
- Purple, red or white patches at the end of your toes, but can also occur on the tips of your fingers, nose and ears.
- Burning or itching pain on the tips of your toes.
- Skin and tissue breakdown may occur if severe.
- Symptoms described may become worse with direct exposure to heat.
Prevention of Chilblains:
Prevention is the most effective method, as this problem generally respond poorly to treatment. Therefore it is important not to let your feet become too cold by:
- Wearing warm woollen socks and sheep skin uggboots or slippers in winter.
- If feet become cold, warm them up slowly.
- DO NOT put feet into hot water or in front of a heater, as this will increase the pooling of blood in the tips of the toes and increase pain.
- Do not smoke.
- Keep active to promote blood flow circulating.
Treatment for Chilblains:
- Topical steroid creams.
- Hirudoid cream to dilate the blood vessels.
- Vasodilator medication if the condition is recurrent and extreme.
- Antibiotic therapy if the skin is broken and infection is evident.
- Keeping feet warm and elevated if swelling is evident.
- Gentle massage to the area with peppermint or mint based creams if skin remains intact.
Well Heeled Podiatry will assess your circulation and educate you on the prevention of chilblains, along with some simple treatment and advice to make winter a season not to be resented.
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THE FOOT ABOVE HAS 6 TOES! AND IN FACT IT WAS THE PHOTO OF THE FOOT THAT CAUSED ME TO VISIT YOUR CHILLBLAINS SITE., OUT OF ALL THE ZILLIONS OF CHILLBLAINS SITES AVAILABLE! VERY SMART IDEA YOU HAD- IS IT AN ACTUAL FOOT OR FOTO-SHOPPED? 🙂 ANYWAY, BRAVO! FUN TO SEE SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
Hi Patty,
Thank you for noticing :). It is a foot condition called Polydactyly, where the foot has an additional digit. I am glad it made you stop and read our blog, I really appreciate the comment and hope you enjoyed the blog on how to keep ALL of those toes warm in winter.
I have a little red mark on the front tip of one of my toes, it’s a sensitive sore only to the touch and when I walk barefoot. It sometimes goes numb as well when my feet are cold. When it’s frosty and I don’t wear boots just runners, my toes are purple. Not sure is my toe issue frostnip, chilblains or what.
Hi Michelle, It sounds like a chilblain but without assessing you I couldn’t say for sure. It is best to see your local podiatrist or doctor to get a proper diagnosis before starting any self-care treatment.
Thank you for the information. There is a history of Raynaud’s Disease in my family. I thought I’d reached an age where I was in the clear for it. Then I took up gardening, shortly after going through a depressive episode that caused me to lose 30 pounds. The combination of being underweight and exposing my fingers to the cold resulted in chilblains on my fingers. Treating with topical cortisone and warmth. It’s frustrating not being allowed to tackle the garden until the weather is warmer and I can eat normally again.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I can understand your frustration. Wearing warm cotton liners under your gardening gloves may be a solution when the weather is not too cold outside. Best of luck with the gardening and make sure to also keep your feet and toes nice and warm with woolen socks and enclosed shoes.
Regards
Well Heeled Podiatry.
I think my som has chilblains. Would love to share photos with you.
Hi Lisa,
Yes please send us a photo :).
Regards
Well Heeled Podiatry