Checking Out Cheeky Chilblains

They’re one of the most common winter foot irritants, but that’s no reason to put up with chilblains. Learn how to kick chilblains into touch in a few easy steps:

What Are Chilblains?​

Chilblains are small, itchy, red skin swellings. Occurring on the toes, particularly the smaller ones, they can also appear elsewhere (wherever circulation can be a problem) on the feet, legs, fingers, nose and earlobes. While not usually debilitating, they can become increasingly painful, swell, turn red / bluish in colour and then dry out leaving cracks in the skin which expose skin to the risk of infection.

What Causes Them- Can I “Catch” Chilblains?

Good news: chilblains aren’t infectious. They’re caused by the skin’s reaction, mainly to cold, but damp or draughty conditions, dietary factors and hormonal imbalance can also cause flare-ups. Linked to poor circulation, they mainly affect people who have been outdoors in cold conditions with insufficient clothing insulation. Elderly people, with less efficient circulation, and those doing too little exercise can also be susceptible, plus anyone warming chilled skin too rapidly: for example too hot/close to a fire, hot water bottle, radiator, underfloor heating or hot bath.