Can hot water cure chilblains?
Treatment focuses on improving circulation, protecting the skin, and avoiding sudden temperature changes. Here are some simple and effective ways to manage chilblains at home: Warm the hands gradually: Gently rewarm cold fingers using body heat or warm (not hot) water. With Winter still here we are seeing an alarming increase in Chilblains”. These are lesions associated with vaso-spasm of the capillary beds and result in cell death. Once they are present little can be done other than the use of antiseptics and mild rubefacients such as tiger balms, deep heat etc.The exact cause of chilblains is unknown. They may be an unusual reaction of your body to cold followed by rewarming. Rewarming of cold skin can cause small blood vessels under the skin to expand more quickly than nearby larger blood vessels can handle.The discolouration changes according to the stage of the chilblain. Initially the area of cold damage is white due to constriction (closing) of the blood vessels. Later, when the blood vessel eventually dilates (opens) and consequent tissue damage occurs, the site shows a bright red inflammatory reaction.Chilblains can sometimes be mistaken for conditions like frostbite, dermatitis, or allergic reactions. Dermatologists can differentiate chilblains by examining the characteristic symptoms, such as small, itchy, red areas that become painful and dark blue. Diagnostic tests may also be conducted if necessary.
How to cure chilblains quickly?
If your chilblains are severe and keep returning, your GP may prescribe a medication called nifedipine. You take nifedipine as a daily tablet or capsule. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, improving your circulation. Nifedipine can help existing chilblains heal, or can be taken to stop them developing. If your chilblains symptoms include sores, applying a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone 0. Blood pressure medicine. For symptoms that don’t respond to other treatment, your health care provider might prescribe a blood pressure medicine such as nifedipine (Procardia).Instead use soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine to reduce the discomfort. If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing. If you have diabetes or are undergoing medical treatment, it is important that you have the ulcer assessed by your GP or podiatrist.
What happens if you leave chilblains untreated?
If you have Chilblains and do not manage appropriately, you can get complications if your skin blisters and ulcers. Other than being very painful, it can lead to serious life-threatening infections if left untreated. Please see a Doctor if you suspect any infection (red, hot, swollen, pus). See a GP if: you have chilblains and your skin has not got any better after 2 to 3 weeks.Chilblains (CHILL-blayns) is a condition that causes inflamed swollen patches and blistering on the hands and feet. It’s caused by exposure to damp air that’s cold but not freezing. Symptoms may show up a few hours after being in the cold.However they can also occur on your hands, ears or nose (the extremities). What do they look like? Chilblains appear as bluish or red patches on the skin. They may be hot, swollen or itchy.If you have developed chilblains do not scratch them. Instead use soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine to reduce the discomfort. If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing.In Raynaud’s Disease, the blood vessels in the fingers and toes excessively constrict in response to cold or stress, which can lead to reduced blood flow to these extremities. This reduced blood flow can, in turn, make these areas more susceptible to developing chilblains when exposed to cold temperatures.
What not to do with chilblains?
Never toast them in front of the fire or on a hot water bottle – this will give you chilblains faster than anything! If your feet are cold, do not put them in hot water. Taking plenty of gentle exercise to help improve circulation. You can use chilblain cream to help stop chilblains forming. During the hot, itchy stage use Witch hazel to cool them down. In the blue, cold stage gently warm them with medicaments that your Pharmacist may recommend. Open chilblains should be cleaned with warm salty water and covered with a clean non – adherent, dry dressing such as Melolin, plaster.