Chilblains

What is a chilblain?

A chilblain is an itchy, purple-red swelling, usually appearing on the fingers or toes.

They are caused by the excessive narrowing of small blood vessels below the skin during cold weather.

Chilblains are most common in the very young and in older people.

Women are affected more often than men, and chilblains often run in the family.

How can it be prevented?

Chilblains generally heal without any special treatment, leaving little damage to the skin. The best advice for people who get chilblains is to try to prevent them by keeping hands and feet warm and dry during cold weather.

You can even buy heated socks and gloves.

When should you consult my doctor?

If you get chilblains often, despite trying to stop them, or they don’t heal, or if there are signs of numbness, tingling, pain or blanching of the skin of the fingers or toes, you should consult your doctor.

For the most severe cases there are medications which may help.