Winter brings with it cold weather, and for some, the unwelcome return of chilblains. These small, itchy, and sometimes painful red or purple patches commonly appear on toes, fingers, and other extremities exposed to the cold. Here’s everything you need to know about chilblains—what causes them, how to prevent them, and the best ways to treat them.
What Are Chilblains?
Chilblains occur when skin is exposed to cold temperatures and then warmed too quickly. This rapid temperature change causes small blood vessels under the skin to expand too fast, leading to irritation and inflammation.
Common symptoms include:
- Red or purple discolored patches
- Itching or burning sensations
- Swelling and tenderness
- Cracks or sores in severe cases
How to Prevent Chilblains
Prevention is easier than dealing with chilblains after they appear. Follow these steps to protect your skin:
- Keep Your Feet Warm: Invest in thermal socks and shoes that provide proper insulation. Avoid tight shoes that restrict circulation.
- Avoid Sudden Heat Exposure: Warm up cold feet gradually. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or hot water bottles, which can worsen the condition.
- Use Protective Creams: At our clinic, we recommend Akilhiver Akilwinter Protective Cream, designed to protect your skin from the cold and keep it hydrated. Apply it daily to your feet and hands before going outdoors.
- Stay Active: Gentle movement helps improve circulation, reducing the risk of chilblains.
How to Manage Chilblains
If chilblains do appear, here’s how you can manage the discomfort and promote healing:
- Avoid Scratching: This can cause further irritation or lead to infection.
- Keep Skin Moisturized: Apply Akilhiver Akilwinter Cream to soothe and protect the affected areas.
- Warm Up Slowly: Gradually warm the skin with a soft cloth or warm (not hot) water.
- Protect the Skin: Cover any cracks or sores with sterile dressings to prevent infection.
Available at Our Clinic
To help you stay ahead of winter foot problems, Akilhiver Akilwinter Protective Cream is available for purchase at our clinic. We trust this product because it provides a barrier against the cold while nourishing the skin, making it an essential part of your winter foot care routine.
When to Seek Professional Help
Chilblains often heal within a couple of weeks, but persistent or severe cases may require professional care. If you’re experiencing frequent chilblains or if the skin breaks, book an appointment with us to discuss treatment options and underlying causes like circulation issues.
Protect your feet this winter, and don’t let chilblains hold you back. Visit us in the clinic to pick up your Akilwinter Cream and get personalised advice to keep your feet happy and healthy all season long!
When to Seek Professional Help
Chilblains often heal within a couple of weeks, but persistent or severe cases may require professional care. If you’re experiencing frequent chilblains or if the skin breaks, book an appointment with us to discuss treatment options and underlying causes like circulation issues.
Protect your feet this winter, and don’t let chilblains hold you back. Visit us in the clinic to pick up your Akilwinter Cream and get personalised advice to keep your feet happy and healthy all season long!