If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing. If you have diabetes or are undergoing medical treatment, it is important that you have the ulcer assessed by your GP or podiatrist. Chilblains are an abnormal inflammatory response to cold conditions. They are blisters or lesions that are usually red and can be painful in nature if severe enough. Chilblains will itch and burn and become itchier still when warm. It is tempting to scratch, but this can break and ulcerate the chilblain. The good news is that chilblains rarely require treatment because they are not serious. They typically heal on their own unless you have scratched them to the point of infection. When the skin is cold, blood vessels near its surface get narrower.If the skin is then exposed to heat, the blood vessels become wider.

A rapid change from vasoconstriction (narrow vessels) to vasodilation causes chilblains; this can cause damage to the vessels and result in blood leaking to the surrounding tissues. There are some things you can do at home to heal your chilblains faster. Chilblains are caused by poor circulation due to cold temperatures – so most of the home remedies aim to increase blood circulation and keep warm. It’s important that you make sure what you have is a chilblain before commencing any home remedies. If you’re not sure then seek help from a podiatrist. At our clinic we invest in the latest innovative technology and had great success with Low Level Laser Therapy to treat chilblains. So if home remedies aren’t helping then let us know! We’re here to help.Karen, our practice manager, really suffers from chilblains every winter. She has trialed everything we have in the clinic for chilblains, but we haven't found a solution that has made a noticeable improvement to her feet... until now. Chilblainsusually develop several hours after exposure to the cold. Theytypically cause a burning and itching sensation in the affected areas, whichcan become more intense if you go into a warm room. FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services. How are chilblains diagnosed?

If the chilblain has not broken, you can paint it with a mixture of Friar’s Balsam and a weak solution of iodine which your pharmacist can make up for you, or an over-the-counter preparation. At night, rub some lanolin ointment into the feet to help retain the heat. How can I prevent them?Your doctor can usually diagnose chilblains if you tell them you have been exposed to damp, cold conditions. Chilblains are skin inflammations that are frequently accompanied by itching or burning. They are caused by a reaction to cold and are most commonly found on the small toes, fingers, face, or nose. Moreover, they can occur in pressure-sensitive areas such as a bunion. Exercising. Moving your body can help increase your body’s internal temperature. This raises your temperature and helps circulation. When it comes to the health of your circulatory system, you should avoid some of the following foods: the chilblain may become ulcerated chilblains become increasingly painful as they get congested and take on a dark blue appearance