Treatment FAQ

treatment how to get rid of chilblains quickly

by Dr. Godfrey Oberbrunner DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Use calamine lotion or witch hazel for itching. Chilblains can be extremely itchy, but scratching them may result in an infection.
  2. Apply lanolin to your feet or hands. Lanolin can help to soothe itching and to moisturize your skin around the chilblains.
  3. Put on a pair of warm socks or mittens. It is important to avoid warming up your feet or hands too quickly when they get cold.
  4. Do some light exercise. Getting the blood flowing to your extremities may also help to treat chilblains.

In the meantime, you can take steps to ease your signs and symptoms, including:
  1. Rewarming affected skin gently, without massaging, rubbing or applying direct heat.
  2. Avoiding cold exposure whenever possible.
  3. Keeping your affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat.
  4. Applying lotion to alleviate itching.
Dec 1, 2020

Full Answer

What are some effective treatments for chilblains?

Chilblains often resolve on their own after a week or two without treatment. patches of skin that are itchy and burning can be relieved by the use of soothing lotions such as calamine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone cream which may help you get through the discomfort more comfortably while waiting for this condition to go away completely.

How do I choose the best chilblains treatment?

Jan 04, 2022 · How To Get Rid Of Chilblains Quickly. Chilblains can be a pain, but don’t worry. They usually heal within one to three weeks and the sooner you get them treated with medicine or heat treatment (such as hot baths), the easier they will go! How To Improve Circulation In Feet. Hot water may help you lose weight and lower blood pressure.

How to treat chilblains at home?

Jan 04, 2022 · How To Get Rid Of Chilblains Quickly. Chilblains usually clear up within one to three weeks, especially if the weather gets warmer. You may have recurrences seasonally for years and these will come back again when you least expect it! How To Improve Circulation In Feet. Drinking hot water is a great way to keep your metabolism going and get rid of extra pounds.

How to heal and prevent chilblains?

Dec 16, 2021 · You can soak your hands in warm water before exposing them to cold temperatures. Exercise or walking can help enhance blood circulation to the skin extremities such as toes and fingers and prevent chilblains. Do not scratch an itchy lesion. Stop smoking as smoking directly affects your blood circulation. (1)

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What is the best treatment for chilblains?

What you can do about chilblainstake paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease the pain.avoid being outside when it's cold or damp.wear warm, waterproof clothing, gloves and thick socks if you do go out when it's cold or damp.

Is Vicks Vaporub good for chilblains?

Many chilblains can be treated at home, as well as keeping the body warm and at a constant temperature you can also: Use creams with heat in them, such as deep heat or Vicks vapour rub to increase circulation around your chilblains. Avoid scratching as this can lead to damage of the fragile skin and risk of infections.Aug 13, 2020

How long does it take for chilblains to get better?

Chilblains usually clear up within one to three weeks, especially if the weather gets warmer. You may have recurrences seasonally for years.Dec 1, 2020

Can you get rid of chilblains?

Because there is no cure for chilblains, it is best to avoid getting them in the first place. The good news is that chilblains rarely require treatment because they are not serious. They typically heal on their own unless you have scratched them to the point of infection.

Should you wee on chilblains?

Thankfully, with a bit of care, you can avoid those nasty, itchy, swollen and downright painful little suckers. And best of all, if you do succumb, forget soaking in it (wee that is) and consult your pharmacist who can advise on the best lotions and creams to ease the itching and swelling.May 21, 2019

Why won't my chilblains go away?

If you have poor circulation or diabetes, your chilblains may not heal well. In some cases, your doctor might also prescribe blood pressure medications to help open up the small vessels near your skin's surface. This will also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

What cream is best for chilblains?

Calamine lotion and witch hazel are both soothing and cooling, whilst antiseptic should be applied to broken chilblains until medical attention is sought. A steroid cream rubbed onto the chilblains may reduce itch and soreness.

What cream is good for chilblains?

Treating chilblains Chilblains often get better on their own after a week or two without treatment. It may help to use a soothing lotion, such as calamine or witch hazel, to relieve itching. Your pharmacist may also be able to recommend a suitable product.Feb 9, 2022

Is Vaseline good for chilblains?

Finally, I monitor any chilblains that do develop. If the skin shows signs of cracking I use petroleum jelly and adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aid® bandages) to keep the skin moisturized and protected. This prevents infection. Even though it doesn't look like much, cracked, infected skin on a chilblain is very painful.Feb 21, 2011

What is a home remedy for chilblains?

If you have chilblains, these are some home treatments you can try:Resist the urge to scratch, as this will further damage the skin.Use calamine lotion or witch hazel to soothe the itching.Rub Deep Heat or similar onto the feet to promote heat and circulation.Wear woollen or cotton socks.Keep your whole body warm.Jul 14, 2020

What causes chilblains on your toes?

Chilblains form after intermittent or prolonged exposure to cold or damp air. The cold air causes blood vessels near your skin's surface to tighten or constrict, leading to decreased oxygenation and inflammation in these exposed areas. The exact reason why this reaction occurs is unknown.Sep 24, 2021

How to get rid of chilblains without scratching?

Chilblains can be extremely itchy, but scratching them may result in an infection. To ease the itchiness of chilblains without scratching, apply some calamine lotion or witch hazel onto your chilblains using a cotton ball.

How to get rid of chilblains on hands?

Lanolin can help to soothe itching and to moisturize your skin around the chilblains. Apply lanolin all over your feet or hands. Do not press too hard when you apply the lanolin. Smooth it onto your skin with light, gentle strokes. Apply lanolin before applying witch hazel or calamine lotion. ...

How long does it take for chilblains to get better?

Chilblains usually get better after a couple of weeks, so you may not need to do anything except wait. However, if your chilblains will not go away or if they keep coming back, see a doctor. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source.

What is a chilblain?

Chilblains are red, swollen patches of skin and blisters that may appear on your hands and feet after exposure to extreme cold. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source.

How to warm up your feet when it's cold?

It is important to avoid warming up your feet or hands too quickly when they get cold. Changing into a pair of warm socks or putting on a pair of warm mittens or gloves will help to warm up your feet gradually. Wool and thick cotton socks or mittens are good options.

How to stay warm in cold weather?

6. Eat a hot meal before going out in the cold. Having at least 1 hot meal every day will help to keep you warm, and doing so right before you go out in cold weather can help even more. Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, soup for lunch, or a hot casserole for dinner.

Who is Luba Lee?

This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 58,196 times.

How to treat chilblains?

The first line of treatment for chilblains generally includes measures to keep hands and feet warm and dry, such as keeping your indoor environment warm and dry, using gloves and socks, and changing damp gloves and socks when needed.

What is the best medicine for chilblains?

If your chilblains don't clear up with these home remedies, your doctor may recommend medication, including: Nifedipine (Procardia). This type of blood pressure medication treats chilblains by helping to open up blood vessels and improve circulation. Side effects may include flushing, nausea, dizziness and swelling in the hands or feet.

How long does it take for chilblains to clear up?

Chilblains usually clear up in one to three weeks after cold exposure. In the meantime, you can take steps to ease your signs and symptoms, including: Rewarming affected skin gently, without massaging, rubbing or applying direct heat. Keeping your affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat.

What to do before scheduling an appointment?

What you can do. Before your appointment make a list of: Symptoms you've noticed, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Key personal information, including any major stresses, recent life changes or vacations to different climates.

How to stop itching from a scab?

Keeping your affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat. Applying lotion to alleviate itching. Making sure the affected skin is cleaned with an antiseptic and gently bandaged to prevent infection. Avoiding scratching. Quitting smoking, as smoking can constrict your blood vessels and slow wound healing.

Do you need a doctor for chilblains?

Most people with chilblains don't need to see a doctor. If you're in pain or suspect you might have an infection, see your primary care doctor. He or she may suggest treatment or refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or circulatory disorders (cardiologist).

Is it possible to get rid of chilblains quickly?

Chilbrains: Chilblains are ulcers affecting the extremities that occur when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity. The cold exposure damages capillary beds in the skin, which in turn can cause redness, itching, blisters, and inflammation. The best treatment is prevention by keeping the feet warm.

How can I get rid from chilblains?

Keep the area warm: This is caused by exposure to cold. Usually, ears, nose, toes, ; fingers. Keep the affected areas warm, but not hot. Do not hot water. One can use a compound tincture of benzoin, also friars balsam, or another antiseptic lotion. Vasoline petroleum jelly can help lubricate the skin.

What is a red chilblain?

Chilblains. Chilblains are small, itchy, red patches that can appear after you have been in the cold. They usually clear up on their own. You may need to see a GP if they do not go away.

What happens at a GP appointment?

What happens at your appointment. A GP will check where it hurts to see if you have chilblains. They may need to refer you for further tests with a specialist if they're not sure why you're getting chilblains. Rarely, the GP will prescribe a medicine that can help your chilblains clear up.

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Diagnosis

  • You generally won't need to see your doctor for chilblains. If you do visit your doctor, he or she will be able to diagnose your skin condition by looking at it and talking with you about any recent cold exposure. The exam might also include checking your circulation. He or she may do further tests, such as a skin biopsy, to rule out other causes for your signs and symptoms.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

  • The first line of treatment for chilblains generally includes measures to keep hands and feet warm and dry, such as keeping your indoor environment warm and dry, using gloves and socks, and changing damp gloves and socks when needed. If your chilblains don't clear up with these home remedies, your doctor may recommend medication, including: 1. Nifedipine (Procardia).This typ…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Chilblains usually clear up in one to three weeks after cold exposure. In the meantime, you can take steps to ease your signs and symptoms, including: 1. Rewarming affected skin gently, without massaging, rubbing or applying direct heat 2. Avoiding cold exposure whenever possible 3. Keeping your affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat 4. Applying lotion to …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Most people with chilblains don't need to see a doctor. If you're in pain or suspect you might have an infection, see your primary care doctor. He or she may suggest treatment or refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) or circulatory disorders (cardiologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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