CHILBLAINS

Overview and Facts

Chilblains can result in blistering, irritated, swollen regions, and sore hands and feet. Exposure to moist, chilly, but not freezing air is the cause. After being exposed to the cold for a few hours, symptoms could appear.

By minimizing your exposure to the cold, wearing proper clothing, and protecting exposed skin, chilblains can be avoided. Maintaining the skin warm and dry will assist with symptoms if you do develop chilblains. Usually, it goes away in two to three weeks, particularly if the weather warms up. For years, you can experience the symptoms every cold season. Typically, the condition does not lead to long-term harm.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Chilblains symptoms include the following:

  • Itchy, small skin lesions, frequently on the hands or feet.
  • Stinging or pain
  • Swelling
  • Blistering or sores
  • Skin color changes

Consult a doctor if you experience the following:

  • Have persistent signs or signs that subside, then return.
  • You think you might be infected.
  • Persistent symptoms have not subsided despite two weeks of medical treatment at home.
  • Have symptoms that persist into the hot season.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will examine the affected area, examine you, and ask you questions about the signs and any previous cold exposure in order to determine whether you have chilblains. If you’re unsure whether you were exposed to below-freezing conditions, let your healthcare professional know. 

You might require blood testing to rule out additional conditions. Alternatively, your doctor might take a tiny sample of the afflicted skin and examine it under a microscope in a lab. The procedure is known as a skin biopsy.

TREATMENT

Home remedies for chilblains can include keeping your feet and hands dry and warm. If self-care measures don’t relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend medication such as:

Medicine for Blood Pressure

Your doctor may recommend a blood pressure medication for symptoms that don’t improve with previous treatments. By enhancing blood flow, this particular class of calcium channel blocker relieves chilblains.

Topical Corticosteroid

Using a corticosteroid may help heal sores if your chilblain symptoms consist of them.

After exposure to a cold, symptoms typically go away in two to three weeks. Try the following advice in the interim to reduce your symptoms:

  • Without applying pressure, rubbing, or administering direct heat, slowly and gradually rewarm the skin.
  • Prevent exposure to the cold whenever you can.
  • Use a lotion to reduce itching.

Related Articles

JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is [...]

JUVENILE POLYPOSIS SYNDROME

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by [...]

JUVENILE PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) is a relatively common type of brain [...]