Chilblains aren’t always red – they can also cause the extremities affected to become white or purple and the swelling can vary from slight to significant. Equestrians (horse riders) are also afflicted with chilblains on their toes, feet, ankles and, even their calves, from wearing non-insulated riding boots in winter. During the onset of winter, susceptible people will experience a burning and itching on their hands and feet which intensifies upon entering a warm room. There may also be some swelling or redness, and in extreme cases the surface of the skin may break down and sores (ulcers) may develop. What are the treatments? Chilblains are not a very serious medical condition, but their symptoms can be quite uncomfortable. Some of the common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and pain in the affected areas. Chilblains usually develop on the toes, fingers, or ears and can feel like a burning sensation. They also sometimes cause blisters to form on the skin which can be painful. Occasionally, a blood test or sample of the lesion may be recommended. This is to rule out other conditions. How are chilblains treated?

Most individuals seem to get chilblains in cool, damp climates, but it's the rapid warming of the blood and rupturing cells that creates the chilblain, not the weather. Reduce redness by doing this for the next few minutes. Repeat this process several times a day to completely heal chilblains.The small, red bumps will take approximately ten to fourteen days to heal. As the cells and tissues start to heal, they can be extremely itchy. The blood vessels that supply your skin, first constrict and then as they refill, they can leak fluid under the skin – resulting in the toes/fingers/tips of ears becoming itchy, red & swollen, often with burning sensation and being very tender to the touch. If your shoe size means you fall between sizes, we recommend selecting the larger size to achieve the most comfortable fit possible. Size Chilblains are the result ofan abnormal reaction to the cold.They’re common in the UKbecause damp, cold weather is usual in the winter. If you have developed chilblains do not scratch them. Instead use soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine to reduce the discomfort.

If you’re at home, wear slippers that come up over your ankles rather than mules and if you’re out and about, fleece (sheepskin or synthetic) lined boots or shoes are brilliant to keep you warm – just make sure they’re not too tight. Make sure they don’t rub as this can make you more prone to infection. If you havesevereor recurring chilblains, there’s a small risk of further problems developing, such as: Chilblains symptoms usually clear up in 2 or 3 weeks after cold exposure. In the meantime, try the following tips to ease your symptoms: chilblains appear as small itchy, red areas on the skin in some cases the skin over a chilblain may blister which may delay healing sometimes the skin breaks down to leave a small ulcer which is prone to infection At the other extreme, those of you with hot (or particularly busy) feet can benefit from merino or bamboo blends which keep your feet dry, comfortable and pong-free even when you’re constantly on the move.If chilblains have developed, cover them with a loose, dry dressing (e.g. Melolin) and try to avoid clothing that rubs. If the skin is unbroken, 1% hydrocortisone cream from your doctor is soothing. There is some evidence that Vitamin B (nicotinic acid) helps to prevent chilblains. Vasodilators which are recommended for improving the circulation in Raynaud's phenomenon by opening up the blood vessels, can also be useful in the treatment and prevention of chilblains. Other compounds, for example those derived from Vitamin K, may also help but you should discuss these with your doctor. Calamine lotion and witch hazel are both soothing and cooling, whilst antiseptic should be applied to broken chilblains until medical attention is sought. A steroid cream rubbed onto the chilblains may reduce itch and soreness. Creams and ointments containing camphor or local anaesthetic can also be used for relief of pain in unbroken chilblains. Balmosa cream, available on prescription or from your local pharmacy, and some other topical creams can be effective. Older people more commonly suffer from chilblains but anyone can be affected. When extremities such as the toes and fingers are exposed to the cold, not enough blood gets through to them. As a result of this cold sensation, the extremities become very itchy, then swollen and red. The skin often feels like it is burning and the area may feel painful to the touch. Chilblainscan beuncomfortable, but rarely cause any permanent damage.They normally heal within a few weeks iffurther exposure to the cold is avoided. Chilblains can turn the skin red and may cause a burning or stinging sensation.