Chilblains Information and Treatment 

Chilblains is a cold injury also defined as erythema pernio and pernio that can be known as cold-blisters on or inflammation of the fingers, toes or ears. A chilblain or pernio is an itchy purple red inflammation, which happens when the small blood vessels below the skin are damaged usually due to exposure to cold weather. They are most common in the young and the elderly, and are more possibly to occur in women. About all chilblains heal without the requirement for treatment.

Chilblains commonly occur many hours after exposure to the cold in temperate humid climates. The toes are particularly assailable, but other extremities which may form chilblains include fingers, earlobes and the nose. They form due to an abnormal reaction of the body in cold. A chilblain can also occur on a pressure vectoring area like a bunion.

Chilblains is also known as Perniosis or blain which is a medical condition same to frostbite or trench foot. They are red blotchy patches, found on the toes, which can become itchy, hot and painful. They may be forfended by keeping the feet and hands warm in cold weather. It is calculated that about 1 in 10 people in the UK get chilblains at some stasge in their life.

Chilblains are more probably to form in those with poor peripheral circulation i.e. blue-red mottled skin on the limbs. Factors that conduce to tendency to chilblains include, a familial tendency, poor circulation, anemia, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, some connective tissue disorders and some bone marrow disorders.

Treatments for Chilblain include: avoid scratching, anti-itch creams, lanolin or something similar, rubbed into the feet, will help maintain body heat. Wear woollen or cotton socks, routine exercise, not smoking, and a healthy low-fat diet, compressed with fruit and vegetables are vital to keep the circulation strong.