CHILBLAINS
INTRODUCTION
A chilblain is a small, red swelling on the skin which
can be very itchy and gradually becomes very painful. Chilblains usually
occur on the smaller toes but can occur on the finger, face and the
nose. They occur due to an abnormal reaction of the body to cold. A
chilblain may also occur on a pressure bearing area such as a bunion.
APPEARANCE
A chilblain will usually appear as a red, swollen
lesion.
They can dry out leaving cracks in the skin, which expose the skin
to infection.
SYMPTOMS
The lesion becomes increasingly painful.
The lesion becomes very itchy.
Patients may suffer from a burning sensation on their feet.
In extreme cases the surface of the skin may break and an infection
may develop.
CAUSES
A chilblain is an abnormal reaction to cold.
Elderly people with poor circulation are at a greater risk.
Young adults who work outdoors or in cold conditions, such as butchers,
are also at risk.
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 anaemia.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Keep legs and body warm, especially if you have poor
circulation.
Leg warmers and thick woollen socks may be of benefit.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Dont scratch them.
WHAT THE CHIROPODIST WILL DO
Advise soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine.
If the chilblain is infected, the chiropodist will apply antiseptic
dressings.
The chiropodist may recommend a mixture of friars balsam and weak
iodine to paint onto the lesion and/or Lanolin ointment to rub in to
the feet at night to retain heat.
CONDITIONS THAT RESEMBLE A CHILBLAIN
Gout
Fungal infection of the skin.
Akileine Winter Cream is especially formulated
to fight the effect of the cold by keeping the skin supple and resistant.
It also prevents chilblains.
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