Chilblain Basics

What Is A Chilblain?

• A chilblain is a lesion, which is known as trench foot of the hand, although it can also happen on your ears and legs. 

• A chilblain is a small, red swelling on the skin, which can be very itchy and gradually becomes very painful.

• Chilblains may disappear within a few days, or may become worse and last for months.

• In it’s worst from it is also known as erythrocyanosis, Basin’s disease, lupus, pernio, and dermatitis hiemalis.

• Whereas frostbite results from freezing temperatures, chilblains result from exposure to more moderate exposure to temperatures above the freezing point, usually when it is damp and cold but not freezing.

• It is most common in cold damp climates or moist air, that are experience over a long period of time.

• They occur due to an abnormal reaction of the body to cold.

• The swollen lesions can dry out leaving cracks in the skin, which expose the skin to infection.

• Chilblains usually occur on the smaller toes but can occur on the finger, face and the nose.

• A chilblain may also occur on a pressure bearing area such as a bunion.

Symptoms

• The skin changes appear about 12-24 hours after cold exposure.

• The areas involved are usually the cheeks, ears, or hands

• It consists of doughy, blue swelling of localized areas of cold-exposed skin

• Appears as a red, swollen, tender lesion

• Is warm or hot to the touch

• May have itching

• Patients may suffer from a burning sensation on their feet.

• As it becomes worse it swells

• Tissue becomes tender

• Gets a deep red or purple color

• May form blisters and ulcers

• As it worsens itching is replaced with pain and tenderness

• In extreme cases the surface of the skin may break and an infection may develop.

• In severe cases blistering, pustules, scabs and ulceration can occur.

• Occasionally the lesions may be ring-shaped.

• They may become thickened and persist for months.

Causes

• A chilblain is an abnormal reaction to cold.

• Elderly people with a poor circulation are at a greater risk.

• Young adults who work outdoors or in cold conditions, such as butchers, are also at risk.

• Cold causes constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin and rewarming results in leakage of blood into the tissues and swelling of the skin.

• If the skin is chilled and then followed by too rapid warming such as a gas fire, a chilblain may develop.

• Damp living conditions can also be a contributing factor.

• The sudden onset of very cold water on the skin can also lead to a chilblain.

• Other contributing factors include dietary, hormonal imbalance and people who suffer from anemia.

• Backs and sides of the fingers and toes,  Heels,  Lower legs,   Thighs,   Knees,   Wrists,   Over fatty lumps (lipomas),  Nose,   Ears

Common Sites For Chilblains Are:

• Backs and sides of the fingers and toes,  Heels,  Lower legs,   Thighs,   Knees,   Wrists,   Over fatty lumps (lipomas),  Nose,   Ears

Treatment

Unfortunately chilblains respond poorly to treatment. The following may be useful:

• Chilblains get better without treatment in one to three weeks.

• Naturally, avoidance of additional cold exposure during recovery makes sense.

• Soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine.

Prevention

• The hands and feet must not be allowed to get cold.

• The following measures may help to keep you warm:

• Insulated and heated home and workplace stop up all draughts

• Warm clothing especially gloves, thick woolen socks and comfortable protective footwear. Keep the head and neck warm with hat and scarf

• Before going outside, soak hands in warm water for several minutes to warm hands through then dry thoroughly

• Exercise vigorously before going outside

• Apply sunscreen to exposed skin even on dull days

• Keep legs and body warm, especially if you have poor circulation.

• Leg warmers and thick woolen socks may be of benefit.