admin@thefeetpeople.com.au

(07) 3356 3579

BOOK NOW
BOOK NOW

Jump to section

What are chilblains?
Causes
Risk factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Complications
Treatment
Prevention
Will chilblains resolve on their own?
How can a podiatrist help?
Final thoughts

Do you find that your fingers or toes start to feel extremely cold then numb when you’re outside in the cold? And then quickly become throbbing, uncomfortable and even painful when you’re in warmer temperatures? Welcome to the world of chilblains.

What Are Chilblains?

Medically known as perinosis, chilblains are small, red patches on your skin that can itch and appear swollen, most commonly occurring on the hands and feet, as well as the ears and noise. The reason for the redness and swelling is from damaged blood vessels beneath the skin that become inflamed and leak into the surrounding tissues.

What Causes Chilblains?

The blood vessels beneath our skin, including at the feet, naturally dilate and narrow in response to temperature, among other factors. Specifically, when we’re hot, our blood vessels dilate so that more blood can flow through to cool us down and  keep our core body temperature regulated at an optimal state. When we’re cold, our body wants to limit the loss of heat and help prevent our body temperature from dropping. So our vessels narrow and constrict instead.

Chilblains are caused when our vessels move from being constricted (in the cold) to being dilated (in the hot) too quickly - as the blood starts rushing through which can cause damage to the vessels and result in blood leaking to the surrounding tissues. The result? Skin that appears inflamed, red or purple, and tender. Your toes may also throb and itch - but you must be careful not to scratch them as your skin may be more vulnerable to breaking at this stage.

What Risk Factors Make People More Susceptible To Chilblains?

While chilblains can affect anyone that moves from cold areas to warm areas quickly (such as going from the ski field into a warming hut or a hot shower), children, the elderly and those with poor circulation in the extremities (hands and feet) are most often affected. There is also evidence that the tendency to get chilblains may run in families, and lower body weight, hormone changes, connective tissue diseases and bone marrow disorders may also increase your likelihood.

What Are The Symptoms Of Chilblains?

Chilblains tend to present as red or purple areas on the skin that can throb and be painful (like a burning feeling), itchy or sensitive. They may be inflamed. Symptoms can appear in the hours following exposure to cold temperatures. In severe cases, blisters may also appear.

How Can You Diagnose Chilblains?

Chilblains are fairly easily diagnosed through both a visual exam, as well as discussing your history - particularly if you have been outdoors in very cold temperatures - even if your feet are protected with warm socks and good shoes. One thing that is important to do as part of your diagnosis is exclude the possibility that your red patches have a different cause, despite the exposure to cold 

The Importance Of Proper Medical Diagnosis

It’s always important to have any foot or leg pain professionally diagnosed, including with chilblains. Misdiagnoses mean that foot problems are not addressed in a timely or accurate manner, which delays your recovery and puts you at risk of the problem becoming worse as the right care approach is not being taken.

What Complications Can Chilblains Cause?

In severe cases, chilblains can leave a person with blisters that risk becoming infected or ulcerated, permanent patches of discoloured skin, and scarring. Permanent damage is fairly rare.

What Are The Treatment Options For Chilblains?

Chilblains are not permanent, and will get better with time - hence the best treatment you can be doing is keeping your feet and the damaged areas protected and taking the right steps to promote healing. It’s very important to avoid scratching the chilblains along with any actions that create further damage, as this increases the risk of the skin breaking or ulcerating, which makes you susceptible to infection. You can try using moisturiser or a cream (such as a corticosteroid cream) prescribed by your GP to help make the itching more manageable, if applicable. Other ways of supporting your body’s natural healing process includes keeping your body warm (so the flow of blood stays good and consistent), gently massaging the area if the skin is intact, and maintaining good nutrition, hydration and exercise habits.

From a podiatry perspective, we see patients whose chilblains may pose a risk to their foot health and overall health - such as if you are a diabetic who develops chilblains that ulcerate, or you’re having a hard time managing your feet. In these cases, we can provide both offloading so that the vulnerable areas have less pressure on them as you continue to stay mobile, as well as supporting you with wound care. If you have chilblains and have concerns about your feet, we’re here to help.

Preventing Chilblains

In the case of chilblains, prevention is undoubtedly the best cure. Preventing chilblains means following very simple principles - though we understand that it can be difficult when you are feeling freezing and just want to get inside and into the warmth. First, make sure you’re dressed and layered well anytime you’re going out in the cold as this can help manage how much your blood vessels constrict in their first place. Waterproof shoes with thick warm socks in the snow are a must. After cold exposure, once you’re  indoors, avoid exposing your feet to direct heat and let them warm up somewhat first before jumping in the shower or getting that hot water bottle. Put an extra pair of socks on, jump under a blanket (not an electric blanket!) or try to stay at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before starting to actively heat your feet. Let your feet naturally adjust to a slight increase in temperature so the vessels can gradually expand without damage.

Why Is It Important To Get A Personalised Treatment Plan?

Everyone’s experience of chilblains can vary - and their risk profiles based on their own medical history varies greatly too. Getting a personalised treatment plan means that you’re always getting the best care and advice based on your unique circumstances. Additionally, your podiatrist will be able to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other causes for your pain and symptoms, such as from a connective tissue disorder like lupus, or from other trauma or pressure-related causes.

Will Chilblains Resolve On Their Own?

Chilblains will eventually resolve on their own, yes, and it’s important to keep your feet protected to allow them to do so safely. 

How Can A Podiatrist Help?

One of the treatments we use for chilblains is a paraffin wax bath. It's an effective way to soothe and soften the skin while providing pain relief. Being a form of heat therapy, it also supports and promotes circulation in your feet, which can greatly help those suffering from chilblains, where repeated exposure to cold temperatures can lead to redness and itching on the feet. Learn more about how a paraffin wax bath works and how it can help you.

Final Thoughts On Chilblains

Chilblains are a stark reminder of the importance of keeping your extremities, including the feet, warm and well-protected in cold and damp conditions. The best approach to dealing with chilblains is prevention; by staying warm, wearing appropriate clothing, and avoiding sudden temperature changes where possible, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these itchy and tender red/purple swellings. In cases where chilblains do develop, patience and self-care are key, as is consulting your podiatrist if you have any concerns or are worried about ulceration or infection. Make sure to check your chilblains daily to ensure they’re healing and not worsening.