Chilblains are tiny swells that appear on your skin after it is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several hours. They are both painful and itchy. More often than not they show up on the fingers, ears, toes or nose because they tend to get less circulation and become cold much faster. They have also been seen on the heel of the foot and legs, but this is much less common.
If you experience a sharp decrease in temperature and humidity then you are much more likely to develop one or several chilblains. They often come together and create a large swollen area that is reddish in color.
Chilblains typically occur when the skin gets cold and the capillaries beneath the skin tighten to help keep the body heat in. When the skin is quickly introduced to a warm environment it warms up too quickly and some fluid escapes the capillaries and soaks into the soft tissues.
Chilblains are more common in people who have poor circulation. After they show up during the first winter they are much more likely to develop in following winters. Chilblains are most common in countries that have a mix of cold and high humidity. They are actually less common in the coldest countries because the air is typically drier.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms then you might have chilblains: Your skin itches, burns, is red or purple, tender, pain, blistered or a small ulcer develops where the skin has broken down.
Chilblains do not stick around for long. They typically disappear after seven to fourteen days. Normally, seeing a doctor is not necessary. If you have diabetes or bad circulation then you should probably talk to your podiatrist. You are likely to be prescribed some type of steroid cream to apply to the chilblains.
There are several other things you can do at home to help ease the pain and make them heal more quickly. Gingko Biloba will help stimulate your circulatory system and therefore increase the bloodflow to your extremeties. Zingiber Officinalis (Ginger) will help to keep the inflammation down, as well as, warm and stimulate your circulatory system. Rosemary can be used to dilate and strengthen your blood vessels. It also helps to increase circulation.
When you go out during the winter make sure that you cover your hands, feet and ears with a pair of thick wool gloves and a hat. This will help to stop the chiblains from appearing in the first place. Also, do not touch anything that a source of heat right after coming in from the cold. Be sure to let your skin return to its normal temperature as slowly as possible.
Author Resource:-
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health & emotional ailments and conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
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