What are Chilblains?

Chilblains are inflamed and painful patches of skin that develop after prolonged exposed to cold air. While California weather gets nowhere as cold as other places, we do see temperatures dip into the 40s during the colder months, so it’s important to be aware of this condition that could affect your extremities.

Who is at risk?

While anyone can get chilblains, women and people who have low body mass indexes are more likely to develop this condition. Other risk factors include:

●      smoking

●      wearing tight-fitting clothing or shoes in damp, cold weather

●      Raynaud’s disease or an autoimmune disease like Lupus

●      poor blood circulation

●      Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

What are the symptoms?

Common areas that you may see chilblains appear include your hands, toes, ears, or nose. You may experience pain, swelling, changes in skin color, burning, tingling, and formation of blisters. Symptoms typically subside without treatment within a week or two, but it’s important to seek help if symptoms don’t resolve within 2 weeks, especially if you have underlying conditions like PAD or diabetes that could impact your healing.

Prevention and treatment

If you need treatment, healthcare providers may prescribe oral or topical medications that can help reduce itching and pain, and reduce chances of recurrence.

The most significant way to ease and prevent chilblains is to avoid prolonged exposure to cold air. Dressing in layers, wearing gloves, hats, warm socks and covered shoes are ways to protect your extremities from the cold air. Keep your skin moisturized with lotion to prevent excessive dryness as well. If you smoke or have underlying conditions that could affect your circulation, talk to your doctor to address these issues.

Are you prepared?

Sometimes living in a typically warm and sunny place like California can reduce your preparedness when it comes to cold weather conditions like chilblains. If you’re caught off guard and need help with prevention or treatment, be sure to get in touch with our expert foot doctors. At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, we are prepared to treat a wide range of foot conditions, including injuries, bunions, heel pain, diabetes-related issues, and toenail conditions. Our priority is to enhance your foot health and comfort, so contact any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro if you have any foot problems, big or small!