Chilblains or the Itchy Red Spots

This winter, due to the colder weather, there have been far more cases of Chilblains presented to my Chiropody clinic. Older people are probably familiar with them, but those who have always lived with central heating may not know what those little red itchy spots are.

The symptoms of chilblains are dark blue/red spots that can occur on any extremity such as toes, fingers or nose; or on areas that have been exposed to extreme cold such as the heels or thighs of a horse rider. Often they itch or burn and there can be a slight swelling or blistering on the site. In extreme cases they can become infected.

Damp cold weather is related to the condition but it isn't the reason for chilblains. They are formed when the blood vessels constrict in the cold and are then warmed too quickly for the vessels to react to. Fluid from the blood leaks into the skin and causes the chilblains to form.

Oddly enough, not everyone suffer from them, and it is not unusual for the problem to be intermittent.
Those at greatest risk are:
• Young adult women, possibly due to hormonal changes.
• Anyone who isn't properly clothed for the weather conditions.
• Those with poor circulation whether through age, illnesses such as diabetes, or lifestyle habits such as smoking
• Those who wear constricted clothing or footwear whether through fashion or deformities such as bunions, or even socks that are too thick for the shoes.

Treatment consists of keeping the affected area warm by staying out of the cold and wearing warm clothing. Generally the chilblains will go by themselves in seven to fourteen days.

Complications are unusual but try not to scratch the delicate skin over the chilblains as they can easily become infected. If they have broken, cracked or become sore or itchy consult your chiropodist, chemist, or GP for advice on creams and possibly antibiotics.

Prevention is definitely the best policy with chilblains.

• Keeping active helps improve circulation.
• Keep warm, especially hands, feet and legs. This is very important if circulation is poor or mobility is limited.
• Keep the whole body warm. Wearing trousers or long johns, long boots, tights and leg warmers or long socks will help.
• Avoid tight shoes and boots, as these can restrict the circulation to toes and feet.
• Warm shoes on the radiator before putting on, so feet go into warm shoes and stay warm.
• Make sure damp shoes are thoroughly dried before wearing them.
• Warm up extremities slowly away from radiators or hot water bottles
• Diabetics should have regular foot checks with a chiropodist. Reduced sensation in the Diabetic’s feet, may mean that septic chilblains go unnoticed.

For further information or in case of complications contact me or your GP