Chilblains

Chilblains are painful, itchy swellings that occur on the skin after exposure to cold, damp conditions. They happen when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures, causing the small blood vessels to narrow. When the skin warms up again too quickly, the vessels can’t handle the sudden blood flow, leading to inflammation, redness, swelling, and sometimes blistering.

Chilblains commonly affect the toes, fingers, ears, and nose. Symptoms include itching, a burning feeling, and discolouration of the skin. Although chilblains usually heal on their own in a few weeks, they can become sore and may crack, increasing the risk of infection.

To prevent chilblains, it’s important to keep warm, especially in cold weather, and avoid warming up too quickly. If chilblains are painful, recurrent, or infected, a podiatrist can provide advice and treatment to manage the condition effectively.

Book yourself an assessment with one of our podiatrists and we will be happy to help!