Chilblains
June 12, 2010 by Foot Health
Filed under Foot Problems
Chilblains are a common problem in colder climate, but they are not exactly caused by the cold itself. Chilblains are actually caused when the toe (or foot) is warmed up too rapidly after it gets cold. They are due to the circulation not opening up quickly enough on the warming. Poor circulation is not the cause either; it is how the circulation responds to the change in temperature. The initial symptoms of chilblains are a red itchy patch of skin on the toe. Later the chilblains progresses to a dark blue congested looking lesion. The best way to treat a chilblain is to not get one in the first place, by not allowing the foot to get cold, or if it gets cold to make sure it is only warmed up slowly. If chilblains occur, emollient creams and gentle rubbing is usually the best option. Otherwise, protection of the area to make sure the chilblains do not become open is necessary. There are some medicines that can be used to help keep the circulation open if the chilblains are more severe.