What are Chilblains and How Can You Treat Them?

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Winters bring snow and a host of seasonal ailments, including flu, the common cold, and skin conditions like chilblains. As the temperature drops, it’s important to actively take care of your health to protect yourself from winter-related conditions. Although chilblains are not life-threatening, they can cause considerable discomfort and irritation. When affected by chilblains, your hands and feet become swollen and red, robbing you of your ability to do your daily chores independently. 

This blog provides information on chilblains, covering their causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. 

What Are Chilblains?

Chilblains (perniosis or pernio) are itchy, small, red or purple swellings on the skin, especially hands and feet. They typically occur after a sudden temperature shift in the winter. This is one of the most prominent chilblain causes. Primarily, they affect the fingers, toes, ears, or nose, but they can appear anywhere on the body.

Chilblains are often mistaken for frostbite, but they are temporary and milder. If severe cases are left untreated, they can lead to infections or ulcers. People with a weak immune system or underlying health issues are more likely to develop chilblains symptoms.

What Causes Chilblains?

Chilblains causes include by exposing skin to sudden temperature changes, such as cold temperatures, followed by sudden rewarming. This causes blood vessels in the skin to expand more rapidly than smaller vessels can accommodate, leaking blood into the surrounding tissues. Chilblains are more likely to affect fingers due to frequent exposure to varied temperatures. The result is painful swelling, inflammation, and discolouration.

Here are the most common causes and contributing factors:

Exposure to Cold Weather

Extended exposure to cold, damp conditions is a primary trigger for this condition.

Poor Blood Circulation

Inefficient blood flow is one of the main causes of chilblains. Individuals with circulation issues may struggle to adapt to rapid temperature changes.

Sudden Temperature Changes

Placing hands in hot water after exposure to cold is the leading cause of chilblains. The condition usually begins in the fingers, with other body parts also potentially affected.

Tight Clothing

Shoes, tight gloves, and socks can increase the risk by restricting blood flow.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Conditions like Raynaud’s disease, lupus, or diabetes can also increase the risk of getting chilblains.

Who is at Risk?

Any individual can catch chilblains, but some individuals are more at risk:

• People living in cold climates: Winters and a damp environment are the seeds of chilblains. It is rare in dry environments.
• Women: Chilblains tend to occur more frequently in women than men.
• Underweight individuals: Thin skin and less body fat mean less insulation from cold.
• People with poor circulation: Slow blood circulation and anyone with chronic conditions, especially the elderly.

Recognising Chilblain Symptoms

Symptoms of chilblains can appear within a few hours of exposure:

• Red, purple, or blue skin patches
• Burning, itching or tingling sensations
• Swelling in the affected area
• Skin cracks or blistering in severe cases
• Ulcers in prolonged cases

There is nothing to worry about. With proper care, symptoms can be cured within 1 to 3 weeks. However, professional chilblains treatment is required in severe and recurring chilblains.

Diagnosing Chilblains

Chilblains are diagnosed by their physical appearance and medical history of cold exposure. If symptoms worsen and persist for a long time,  doctors may conduct additional tests to determine whether the condition is an autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus), diabetes, vascular disease, or infection. In some instances, the condition worsens to such an extent that the hands turn dark blue, presenting an alarming appearance. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment become essential. If not managed properly, chilblains can lead to complications like ulcers and infections. 

Chilblains Treatment

While there is no defined chilblains treatment, the following options can be explored to manage the condition. We’ve provided home remedies and medical treatments.

Chilblains Treatment at Home

To help speed up healing and relieve discomfort, we have provided a chilblain home remedy below:

• Take 2-3 turnips and cut them into medium pieces.
• Boil until the water is halved.
• Add one teaspoon salt and a few drops of mustard oil.
• Dip your hands in the mixture when it is lukewarm.
• Cover your hands at least 30 minutes after dipping.

This method can also be applied to your feet.

Medical Treatment

If symptoms are severe or persist, your doctor may recommend 

• Prescription creams: Topical steroids to reduce inflammation.
• Nifedipine: A medication that improves blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
• Pain relief: Painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Treating rare cases like infection and ulcers is expensive. It can also signal circulatory issues. Wound care and antibiotics may be needed, and health insurance coverage becomes crucial. Insurance allows you to visit a doctor early without any financial worries.

Preventing Chilblains

The best treatment is prevention. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

Love Yourself

Your skin is trying to say something. Listen to it. Talk nicely to it, take love from God and give it to yourself. 

Dress Appropriately

Listen to your body. Sometimes, wearing warm clothes like gloves and socks may trigger the condition. Light clothes are required when the burning sensation begins. So, primarily focus on what is comfortable for your body and wear accordingly.

Warm Up Slowly

Avoid direct heat after staying at a low temperature. Warm up slowly using room-temperature conditions.

Keep Moving

Stay active to maintain good blood flow.

Avoid Dampness

After exposure to moisture, ensure that you dry your hands and body thoroughly.

Moisturise Regularly

Dry skin is more vulnerable to chilblains. Use coconut oil, sesame oil or unscented moisturisers in the winter.

Insurance & Chilblains: Why It Matters

Having health insurance always helps by providing safety against rising medical costs. The coverage aids in getting the required treatment on time without worrying about finances. Some people might wonder if they need to buy health insurance for something like chilblains. But it is always better to protect yourself during this time. It might seem minor in the beginning, but it may lead to some other serious complications in the future. Buying health insurance at an early age allows you to complete the waiting period in time. You may raise a claim when required, without any delays. 

Our health insurance policy at Care Health Insurance covers unlimited e-consultations for dermatology visits. In Care Supreme, there are no sub-limits and no co-payment. That means you may raise a claim without any deductions as per the policy terms and conditions. 

You can also save significant out-of-pocket expenses by investing in add-ons like annual health check-ups, cumulative bonus super (CBS), and wellness benefits.

Final Thoughts

Chilblains are not just a minor winter nuisance. Ignoring them can cause serious health problems. So, it is important to manage symptoms, be proactive and dress warmly. Having access to quality medical care and health insurance is your best defense. Whether you live in a snowy region or just want better time and health during colder months, invest in the right health insurance plan and get the required coverage.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.