And how to avoid them!
As the weather turns Autumnal, it is time to start thinking more about our foot care regime as the cooler and damp weather returns to our part of the planet! One of the most annoying foot problems we see are chilblains. These little lesions can be so itchy meaning they're really difficult to avoid scratching. Let's run through what chilblains are, what causes chilblains, how to treat them and most importantly how to avoid them!
What are chilblains?
Chilblains appear on the skin as small, itchy, red swellings. They can cause a burning sensation and be very tender to touch. Chilblains usually occur on the extremities: fingers, toes, and ears, which can quickly become cold this time of year. Chilblains occur in response to sudden changes in temperature, damp and cold temperatures. They can be uncomfortable but rarely cause permanent damage and will usually heal in around 2 weeks. However, infection may occur should the skin break down.
What causes chilblains?
Chilblains result from an abnormal reaction to the cold. Chilblains most often occur in the elderly and very young. They are thought to affect 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. When the skin is cold, blood vessels near its surface get narrower. If the skin is then exposed to heat, the blood vessels become wider. If this happens too quickly, blood vessels near the surface of the skin cannot always handle the increased blood flow. This can cause fluid from the blood vessel to leak into the surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation, swelling and itchiness.
Chilblains usually develop several hours after exposure to the cold. Nobody knows why some people are more prone to developing chilblains than others. Some people are more at risk of chilblains than others. This includes people with:
poor circulation
a family history of chilblains
regular exposure to cold, damp, or draughty conditions
a poor diet or low body weight
Lupus – a long-term autoimmune condition
Raynauds phenomenon – a common condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body, usually the fingers and toes.
Treating chilblains
Chilblains do not always require any treatment as the symptoms often get better on their own after a week or two. Chilblains can reoccur or become severe. There is a small chance that an infection can develop from the blistered or scratched skin which can then lead to permanent scarring. In the most severe cases, painful ulcers may develop on the skin. To avoid complications such as these it is advisable not to directly overheat the area and to try to refrain from scratching the skin.
If the skin is itchy, a soothing lotion such as sudocrem, witch hazel or calamine lotion can help.
Keep the toes warm and dry as much as possible.
It will be very tempting to scratch the chilblains, please try to avoid this as this will cause the skin to crack. If the skin breaks or blisters, apply a dry dressing and contact your podiatrist for assistance.
if the chilblains are very itchy you might be prescribed a mild steroid cream by your podiatrist, doctor or pharmacist
How to prevent chilblains
Prevention is always better than a cure. Rather than suffer the awful itch of a chilblain, try to follow the advice below to avoid getting them in the first place!
Do not walk barefoot on cold surfaces.
Avoid extremes of temperature.
If you get very cold and/or damp feet, warm them up slowly - Do not put feet in front of direct heat or on radiators. And do not put your feet on hot water bottles (use them to warm the bed up before you get in but never have direct contact between the skin and the hot water bottle).
Foot massage can be beneficial, especially for wheelchair users or less mobile people, as it will help to improve the blood circulation through the leg and foot.
Moisturise your feet regularly – this stops the skin drying out and cracking.
Foot creams are available that contain ingredients which help warm the skin. We particularly like Akileine Akilwinter Winter Cream, which can be used on the hands, feet and face. Ask your podiatrist for more information about this product
Regular exercise and a healthy diet, are essential to keep the circulation strong.
Stop smoking tobacco as nicotine constricts the blood vessels and is a risk factor for developing chilblains.
Eating at least one hot meal per day will help to warm your whole body. As will drinking warm drinks throughout the day.
Keep your home well heated.
Wear sturdy, supportive shoes or boots with thick soles and cushioned insoles. Thin soled shoes will cause cold feet!
Try thermal or walking socks.
Try thermal insoles to line the soles of your shoes - speak to your podiatrist about Plastazote Insoles.
In particularly cold weather you should consider wearing layers of clothing, thermal underwear such as long johns and long sleeved vests.
Wear thermal gloves and always wear a hat in cold weather.
If you work from home and/or have a sedentary job make sure you get up and move around frequently to warm up, and keep warm by ensuring the heating is on and by covering your lap and legs with a blanket.
Warm your shoes and socks by the radiator before putting them on
Medication is not normally needed, however, if you suffer from frequent or severe chilblains there may be an underlying medical cause that needs to be addressed. Speak to your HCPC registered Podiatrist for advice.
So ditch the itch this Autumn and Winter. Keep warm, dry and active to avoid chilblains.
Need a foot health assessment? Give us a call on 0161 427 4937 or email info@mrpodiatrist.co.uk to book an appointment