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Chilblains are red, swollen patches of skin and blisters that may appear on your hands and feet after exposure to extreme cold. [1] X Research source Once you get chilblains, you may have to wait for them to disappear on their own. However, you can take steps to decrease your discomfort. If your chilblains do not improve or you get them multiple times, then you may need medical treatment to get rid of them. You can also do some things to prevent chilblains if this is a recurring problem for you.
Steps
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Use calamine lotion or witch hazel for itching. Chilblains can be extremely itchy, but scratching them may result in an infection. To ease the itchiness of chilblains without scratching, apply some calamine lotion or witch hazel onto your chilblains using a cotton ball. Both work well, so use whichever you have on hand. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source- Don't rub the lotion or witch hazel into your chilblains. Just dab it on gently.
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Apply lanolin to your feet or hands. Lanolin can help to soothe itching and to moisturize your skin around the chilblains. Apply lanolin all over your feet or hands. [3] X Research source- Do not press too hard when you apply the lanolin. Smooth it onto your skin with light, gentle strokes.
- Apply lanolin before applying witch hazel or calamine lotion.
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Put on a pair of warm socks or mittens. It is important to avoid warming up your feet or hands too quickly when they get cold. Changing into a pair of warm socks or putting on a pair of warm mittens or gloves will help to warm up your feet gradually. [4] X Research source- Wool and thick cotton socks or mittens are good options.
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Do some light exercise. Getting the blood flowing to your extremities may also help to treat chilblains. Try walking in place or pacing back and forth indoors to get the blood flowing. [5] X Research source- Avoid doing anything too vigorous. This may irritate your chilblains.
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Call your doctor if chilblains do not improve or are recurring. Chilblains usually get better after a couple of weeks, so you may not need to do anything except wait. However, if your chilblains will not go away or if they keep coming back, see a doctor. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source -
Ask your doctor about nifedipine. This medication can help to treat chilblains by relaxing the blood vessels and improving your circulation. Nifedipine is available by prescription, so you will have to see your doctor to get it. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source- Nifedipine is a pill that you take 3 to 4 times daily. However, follow the dosing instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you. [8] X Research source
- Nifedipine is most commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are taking to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
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Watch for signs of an infection. Sometimes chilblains may become infected. If this happens, you will need to see a doctor for a prescription antibiotic. Some symptoms of an infection include: [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Pus and/or swelling around your chilblains
- A temperature above 100.4 °F (38.0 °C)
- Feeling unwell in general
- Having swollen glands
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Exercise regularly. Poor circulation is one of the main reasons why people get chilblains, so getting regular exercise may help to reduce your risk. Take a 30 minute walk daily or get up a few times per day to walk around your home or office. [11] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source -
Protect your skin in cold weather. Exposure to very cold temperatures is part of how chilblains develop, so it is important to wear appropriate outerwear when the weather is cold. Wear a coat, hat, mittens, warm socks, and boots. [12] X Research source -
Warm up gradually after exposure to extreme temperatures. Chilblains often form as a result of warming yourself up too quickly. Avoid quick methods of warming up, such as immersing your feet or hands in very warm water or standing close to a heater or fire. [13] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source -
Moisturize your feet and hands. Keeping your feet moisturized may help to reduce your risk of chilblains. Apply a thick layer of lotion to your hands and feet each day. [14] X Research source -
Quit smoking . Smoking increases your risk of chilblains. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor. You may be able to get medication to help you quit. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source -
Eat a hot meal before going out in the cold. Having at least 1 hot meal every day will help to keep you warm, and doing so right before you go out in cold weather can help even more. Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, soup for lunch, or a hot casserole for dinner. [16] X Research source- You can also sip hot liquids during the day, such as tea, coffee, and broth.
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References
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/chilblains
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chilblains/
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chilblains
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chilblains
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chilblains
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chilblains/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2647123/
- ↑ https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/pharmacy/Nifedipine.pdf
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684028.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21817-chilblains-pernio
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise
- ↑ https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/cold_health.html
- ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/chilblains
- ↑ https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/blog-post/importance-moisturizing
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking
- ↑ https://sirona-cic.org.uk/advice-information/leaflet-library/leaflet-a-guide-to-chilblains/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To get rid of chilblains, start by applying lanolin to the affected area to soothe your skin. Next, apply calamine lotion or witch hazel to help with the itchiness. It's important not to scratch chilblains, since this may result in an infection. Light exercise, like marching in place or pacing back and forth indoors, can get your blood flowing and positively impact chilblains. If your chilblains are persistent or severe, talk to your doctor about medications like nifedipine, which relax blood vessels and improve circulation. For tips on recognizing signs of infection, read on!
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