How to prevent and treat chilblains on the feet?

Chilblains can be a very frequent problem of the feet in colder climates. They are virtually unheard of in warmer environments. They are a painful reaction of the blood circulation in the toes after the feet are cold and is heated up too fast. Because of this issue with the blood circulation not responding, there is an inflammatory response leading to small red-colored and itchy lesions on the toes. If the problem becomes more persistent the skin takes on a painful darker discolouration as the waste elements increase.

The ideal management of chilblains is prevention. Firstly, use good hosiery and footwear so that the foot does not get too cold. If the foot does get cold don't place it in from of a heat source so that it warms up too quickly. The feet should be able to warm up gradually so the circulation has time to adjust to the alterations in temperature. After a chilblain does develop it must be protected in order that it can get better, especially if the skin is damaged. Keep it covered to guard it from trauma from the shoe. Soothing chilblain creams may be used to stimulate the blood circulation and help get rid of the harmful toxins which have built up in the skin that are creating the inflammation and congestion. Care also needs to be taken to protect against further chilblains developing, so the strategies that ought to be used to avoid them must be used even more. It is possible to get another one before the first one has healed up transforming this into a chronic issue. If the local measures to take care of the chilblains do not help, there are some drugs a doctor can suggest which you can use to open up the blood circulation. The drugs are not unique to the feet and work everywhere, so may be restricted to the more serious conditions. In the very worst chilblains, it is not uncommon that they can be given advice to move and live in warmer environments.