Chilblains are small patches that appear on your skin after exposure to the cold. These patches are usually red or purple in colour and tend to be itchy, uncomfortable and, in some cases, painful. Chilblains are considered chronic (meaning that they can become a consistent problem), so much so that your skin might become scarred and discoloured.
Usually chilblains appear on your fingers and toes, but they can also appear in other areas. Your hands tend to be affected the most, since it tends to be the part of the body that’s most commonly exposed to the outside elements.
Who gets chilblains?
Anyone can experience chilblains at any time of their life. But some studies have suggested that they might be more likely to affect women. One study in particular found that 79% of the people affected by chilblains were women, but the number of people who participated in the study was only 104, so the sample size was small.
How common are chilblains?
There’s no reliable data available on just how common chilblains are, so we aren’t entirely sure. But it’s thought that you’re more likely to develop them if you have a family history of it, are underweight, or have a vascular condition that affects the blood flow to your extremities.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Chilblains
What causes chilblains?
Chilblains are usually idiopathic, meaning that their cause is unknown. But some cases are thought to be caused by a problem with the blood vessels that constrict in response to cold temperatures.
On rare occasions chilblains can be caused by other disorders such as lupus, or blood conditions such as leukaemia. Poor circulation and low body weight can also be risk factors.
What are the symptoms of chilblains?
The ‘trademark’ symptom of chilblains is the red or purple patches on your skin, particularly on your extremities, such as your fingers, toes, nose, and ears. These patches can be itchy, uncomfortable, and even painful.
Can chilblains lead to other problems?
Chilblains can become infected if your skin is broken, this is why it’s important to soothe your skin as much as possible by using lotion or Balmosa cream. Rubbing your skin to heat it up and applying direct heat can also lead to chilblains breaking. Scratching is a big factor too, so try to avoid doing this where possible. Most products that soothe the skin will help you to resist the urge.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as swelling, a burning sensation, changes in the colour of the chilblains, blistering, ulcers, and pain, you should contact your clinician as soon as possible so you can get treatment.
Chronic chilblains can sometimes cause scarring of the skin, as well as a permanent change in the skin tone of the affected area.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Chilblains
What medications are there for chilblains?
One of the most commonly prescribed treatments for chilblains is Balmosa cream, a topical ointment that can soothe and warm your skin, easing the uncomfortable symptoms of chilblains. Balmosa cream can also stop you from scratching, which prevents the chilblains from breaking and becoming infected.
Balmosa cream is the only medication recommended to treat chilblains, but you might also be prescribed antibiotics by a clinician if your chilblains break and become infected.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for chilblains?
Treatments that soothe your skin are usually helpful for people with chilblains. But this is usually done in combination with lifestyle changes that aim to prevent the chilblains from getting worse. The lifestyle changes include wearing warmer clothing (including gloves, a hat and preferably a face covering), avoiding damp environments, and quitting smoking if you’re a smoker.
Do chilblains always need treatment?
Not necessarily. More severe cases of chilblains will definitely need treatment, though - especially if it’s a recurrent issue and there’s scarring of the skin. But sometimes you might find that your chilblains get better on their own after a few weeks, provided that you avoid getting exposed to cold temperatures for long periods.
It’s hard to say how long chilblains last, but if you’ve had them for a while and are getting worried you should contact a clinician. They’ll be able to advise you on how to proceed, as well as recommend the right treatment for you if you need it.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Chilblains
FAQ: Chilblains
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can I prevent prurigo nodularis from getting worse?
Answer:
There are things you can try to stop your condition from getting worse. Breaking the cycle of skin scratching as a response to persistent itching isn't easy, but self-care can help you break the habit.
Look for triggers, such as stress, or heat and humidity, that might make your itching worse. If you use perfumed soaps or shower gels that cause itching, try one for sensitive skin. If certain clothes (such as wool) cause skin irritation, try to always wear things you know won’t make your itching worse.
Does treatment for chilblains always work?
Answer:
Sometimes you might need to utilise a variety of approaches in order to tackle your chilblains, such as treating the burning sensation with a topical cream, using self-care techniques, and preventing future episodes.
These self-care techniques and chilblains prevention methods typically include wearing warm clothing and making sure you stay dry. So, for instance, wearing a warm hat and gloves, as well as a scarf and a face covering if your nose is affected. You should also wear warm, thick socks, which you should change as soon as possible if they get wet. And make sure to warm your skin back up again gently when it gets cold - without rubbing or applying direct heat.
Can you get side effects from treatment for chilblains?
Answer:
Balmosa cream, the most commonly prescribed treatment for chilblains, doesn’t usually have any side effects. But make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients in the product if you plan to use it, and stop using it straight away if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction to it.
To be safe, you can apply a small quantity of the cream to an area that’s not affected by chilblains for a couple of hours. If you don’t get any negative reactions, such as itching or irritation, you can go ahead and apply the cream to your chilblains.
Are there tests for chilblains?
Answer:
No, there aren’t any tests for chilblains. A clinician will probably be able to tell immediately if you have chilblains by visually examining your skin. But they might request some further tests to make sure that you don’t have another condition that could be causing them, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is a condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body (usually the same parts that would be affected by chilblains).
How are chilblains diagnosed?
Answer:
Chilblains are usually diagnosed by a clinician, who’ll examine your skin and identify the red or purple patches as chilblains. They’ll also ask you about your symptoms to make sure that they’re not causing you any severe discomfort, and check if you have any other symptoms to rule out underlying causes.
Why should I buy chilblains treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
Talk to us about your health, and our clinicians will give you treatment recommendations tailored to your needs, alongside expert help and advice. Whatever treatment you choose will be delivered straight to you - promptly and securely, and on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
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Clinical Characteristics, Etiologic Associations, Laboratory Findings, Treatment, and Proposal of Diagnostic Criteria of Pernio (Chilblains) in a Series of 104 Patients at Mayo Clinic, 2000 to 2011. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 89(2), pp.207–215.
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