What are Chilblains?
Chilblains are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin that occur when you are frequently exposed to cold weather, but not freezing air. They can also cause itching red patches, swelling, and blistering on your hands and feet.
 |
| Chilblains |
Chilblains usually clear up within one to three weeks, especially if the weather warms up. You may have recurrences seasonally for years. Treatment involves protecting yourself from the cold and using lotions to ease the symptoms.Chilblains usually don't cause permanent injury. But sometimes they can lead to skin damage. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to infection which can cause severe damage if left untreated.
Avoid getting chilblains by avoiding exposure to cold weather and dressing warmly.
Medical terms
- Chilblains area unit inflamed, painful skin patches. Typically, these skin patches develop when exposed to cold however not phase change air. Anyone will get chilblains, however they're most typical in girls. Most of the time, chilblains heal while not treated.
- Chilblains, additionally referred to as chilblains, area unit little patches of inflamed skin. They develop when exposed to air that’s cold or damp, however not phase change. Usually, chilblains are kind on your fingers or toes, however they'll develop on the legs or ears.
- Chilblains are usually red or light-blue. they will feel restless, tender or painful. alternative names for chilblains embody chilblains and perniosis.
- An Itchy Affliction Do you have itchy bumps on your fingers or toes that come and go? If you suffer from chilblains the answer is yes Chilblains result when the body's temperature regulation system malfunctions and produces a burning sensation in the hands feet or ears — areas of the body covered by little fat tissue to protect against heat loss Chilblains are usually caused by living in cold damp conditions such as staying outside without proper winter clothing for extended periods of time A condition similar to chilblains called "cold panniculitis," can also be caused.
Chilblains are red itchy swellings caused by exposure to cold temperature The swelling occurs under the layer of skin and is a delayed reaction resulting from a niacin deficiency in the body The area of the body where chilblains appear depends upon how long you were exposed to the cold rather than what part of your body was exposed Chilblains can be treated with prescription medications or high doses of vitamin B12 shots given at regular intervals for several weeks
Symptoms Chilblains
Chilblains may include: Signs and symptoms of chilblains may include: a. redness and pain, especially around the feet and ankles b. swelling c. blistering d. loss of skin color or elasticity in the skin
You might have small, itchy red areas on your skin. These areas might be on your feet or hands.
Possible blistering or skin ulcers
Swelling of your skin
Burning sensation on your skin
Changes in skin color accompanied by pain, such as turning from red to dark blue.
When to see a doctor
If you have chilblains, they usually get better on their own. If the pain is very severe or if your symptoms haven't improved after a few weeks, go to a doctor for evaluation. If the symptoms continue into summer, it may be worth checking for other causes. The conditions under which the leaves were grown (temperature, humidity, light intensity) will affect how they look and feel.
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, healing may be impaired. Be careful and seek medical help if necessary.
Causes Chilblains
Nobody knows for sure what causes chilblains. They may be a reaction of your body to cold exposure followed by being warmed up again. When the skin is rewarmed after being cold, it can cause small blood vessels to expand quickly, leading to a blockage. The effect of the blood will be seen nearby, and the blood will be leaking.
Risk factors Chilblains
Some factors that may increase your risk of chilblains include: 1. Being cold. 2. Wearing tight-fitting clothes. 3. Having a dry skin condition.
Clothing that is too tight or that exposes skin to the cold will make you feel cold.Wearing tight-fitting clothing and shoes in cold, damp weather can make you more susceptible to chilblains. And skin that is exposed to cold, damp conditions is more likely to develop chilblains.
Your sex.Women are more likely to get chilblains than men, because women have more skin surface area exposed to the cold.
Being underweight.People who weigh about 20 percent less than is normal for their height are at a greater risk of getting chilblains.
Environment and season. Chilblains are less likely in colder and drier areas, because the living conditions and clothing there are more protective against cold. Your risk of chilblains is higher if you live in an area with high humidity and temperatures that are not too cold, but cold enough to be harmful. They are more common in November. This holiday is from April to May.
Having trouble getting blood to all parts of the body.People with poor circulation are more susceptible to chilblains, because they are more sensitive to changes in temperature.
Raynaud's disease is a condition that makes your fingers and toes feel cold and numb.People with Raynaud's disease are more likely to get chilblains. Either condition can result in sores, but Raynaud's changes the color of the skin.
Having an autoimmune disorder.Chilblains are a common symptom of lupus.
Complications Chilblains
If your skin blisters from chilblains, it can lead to complications. If that happens you may develop ulcers and infections. Besides being painful, these infections can be very dangerous if left untreated. If you think you may have an infection, see a doctor.
Prevention Chilblains
To prevent chilblains:
Avoid or limit your exposure to cold.
Wear layers of loose clothing and sturdy boots to keep warm.
Cover all of your skin when going outside in cold weather.
Stay dry and warm. Keep your hands, feet, and face cool and dry.
Make sure your home and workplace are comfortable to be in.
Don't smoke.
If your skin gets cold, it is helpful to warm it gradually because sudden warmth of cold skin may worsen chilblains.
Why am I suddenly getting chilblains?
Chilblains are tiny hot red welts on your fingers and toes that develop in response to cold damp weather They look like you have been burned and can produce tenderness swelling and itchiness Hot dry weather will cause them to disappear over a couple of days Colder temperatures makes the symptoms worse and it takes longer for the chilblains to clear up.
Are Vicks good for children?
Vicks also known as Vicks VapoRub and Vaporub is a topical ointment used to treat the symptoms of coughs colds and flu The active ingredients in Vicks are camphor and eucalyptus oil It is effective at relieving congestion from the common cold but it does not offer any relief from chilblains.
Is Vaseline good for chilblains?
Chilblains are a relatively minor condition that affects the skin although it can be painful It occurs when blood vessels of the skin constrict due to cold temperatures and leak fluid into the surrounding tissues The area around the leaking vessels becomes red swollen and tender to touch as well as feeling warm to the touch: these are all signs of chilblains There is no specific cure for chilblains but there are ways of treating this condition at home if they occur One such way is by covering them with Vaseline or similar products.
What is the fastest way to cure chilblains?
Although chilblains are a nuisance in general they aren't harmful The best way to treat them is to prevent them from getting worse If chilblains have already formed you can: Wear loose-fitting clothes and use compression bandages or sleeves Limit your time outdoors when the weather is very cold but do go outside for at least 10 minutes every day; this will help stimulate circulation Apply lotion several times a day if your feet are cold and moist as these conditions could worsen chilblains Eat foods like yogurt fish oil and eggs that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Can stress cause chilblains?
Yes it can cause chilblains by affecting the circulatory system and changing the temperature of our body When under stress blood vessels contract which restricts proper circulation of blood flow to the skin and extremities (arms hands and feet) This causes a drop in temperature in your arms hands and feet that is almost equal to 2 or 3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chilblains are red itchy swellings that occur on the skin of your fingers and toes. They happen when you get too cold for too long without wearing gloves or socks (You can also get chilblains if you spend time in a warm environment like an overheated car.) Chilblain symptoms include: Redness and swelling of your fingers or toes Itching of the affected area A feeling of discomfort around the swollen area.
Diagnosis Chilblains
If you have chilblains, you generally won't need to see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your skin condition by looking at it and asking about any recent cold exposure. The examination might also include checking your circulation.
Your doctor may do further tests, such as a skin biopsy, to rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Treatment Chilblains
To treat chilblains, you should keep your hands and feet warm and dry. This can be done by keeping your indoor environment warm and dry, using gloves and socks when necessary.
If your children don't clear up with these home remedies, your doctor may prescribe medication including: -Warm baths -Soak in a warm bathtub or pool for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen the dried skin and blood clots that are causing the chilblains. -Epsom salt baths -Soak in a tub filled with Epsom salt for 10 to 15 minutes. Epsom salts are a type of mineral which
Nifedipine (Procardia).This type of blood pressure medication treats chilblains by helping to open up blood vessels and improve circulation. Some side effects may include flushing, nausea, dizziness, and swelling in the hands or feet.
A topical corticosteroid.Corticosteroid cream may help reduce the size of chilblains.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Chilblains usually clear up after being exposed to cold temperatures. In the meantime, you can take steps to ease your symptoms by doing things like: covering your feet when you are not using them, keeping your hands warm, and drinking lots of fluids.
Reapply affected skin gently without rubbing or applying direct heat.
Avoiding cold exposure whenever possible
Keep your skin dry and warm, but avoid sources of heat.
Applying lotion to alleviate itching
Make sure the affected skin is cleaned with an antiseptic and then bandaged to prevent infection.
Avoiding scratching
Quitting smoking can help to improve your blood circulation and wound healing.
Preparing for your appointment
If you have chilblains, most people don't need to see a doctor. If you're in pain or think you might have an infection, see your primary care doctor. He or she may suggest treatment or refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or circulatory disorders (cardiologist).
Here are some things to know in advance for your appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment make a list of:
Please bring any symptoms you have been experiencing that are not related to the reason for your appointment.
Include some important personal information, such as any recent life changes or vacations to different climates.
Every medication, vitamin supplement, and food you eat including the amounts you take are recorded in a record.
Questions to ask your doctor
If you have chilblains, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What are the most likely causes of my symptoms?
Are there other possible causes?
Do I need any tests?
What is the effect of this condition?
Which treatments are available and which would you recommend?
What are the possible side effects of treatment?
What are some other approaches you could take in solving the problem?
Should I limit my activities in any way?
What are some other health conditions that I have? How can I best manage them together?
Can I take any brochures or printed material with me? What websites do you think I should visit?
Your doctor can tell you what to expect.
Your doctor will ask you a number of questions, such as:
When did you begin to experience symptoms?
Do your symptoms worsen when the temperature changes quickly?
Can anything make your symptoms better?
Have you ever had these symptoms before?
Can you tell me if you have Raynaud's disease?
What you can do in the meantime
Make sure the affected area is warm and clean.
General summary
Chilblains also known as pernio or perniosis are a skin condition that affects the toes and fingers They occur most often in the extremities of cold weather but can happen at any time when someone has been exposed to very low temperatures The affected areas become itchy and painful which is exacerbated by exposure to warmth Acute chilblains are common in children who typically experience them on their hands (especially in winter) due to repeated use of chalk during recess and snow play Chronic chilblains typically affect older adults with poor circulation people who suffer from sleep apnea or are.