Many people feel the cold in winter, but not everyone will develop chilblains. Whether they do or not depends to a large extent on the efficiency of your circulation.
Chilblains are small itchy, red swellings on the skin, which can become increasingly painful, can swell and then dry out, leaving cracks in the skin, which expose you to the risk of infection.
They can occur on:
- toes, particularly the smaller ones
- fingers
- the face, especially the nose,
- lobes of the ears
They can also occur on areas of the feet exposed to pressure, for instance, on a bunion, the tips of toes, or where tight shoes squeeze the second toe.
Cold feet
Chilblains are caused by the skin’s abnormal reaction to cold. Damp or draughty conditions, dietary factors and hormonal imbalance can also be contributory factors.
If the skin is chilled and is then followed by too rapid warming next to a fire or hot water bottle, chilblains may result.
Who is most at risk?
This condition mainly affects young adults working outdoors in cold places or people who do not wear socks or tights in winter. Elderly people, whose circulation is less efficient than it used to be, people who do not take enough exercise, and those suffering from anaemia are also susceptible.
People who smoke are more at risk of chilblains as nicotine constricts blood vessels.
What are the symptoms?
With the onset of the cold weather, susceptible people will experience burning and itching on their hands and feet.
On going into a warm room, the itching and burning is intensified.
There may be some swelling or redness, and in extreme cases, the surface of the skin may break, and sores (ulcers) may develop.
What can you do?
To help prevent chilblains, keep your body, feet and legs warm, especially if your circulation is poor and your mobility is limited.
The whole body, rather than just the feet, needs to be kept warm.
Several layers of clothing will help to keep you warm like:
- trousers
- long johns
- high boots
- tights and leg warmers
- long socks with fleecy inner soles and thick, cushioned outer soles
Avoid going out early if possible, when the weather is generally colder, and wrap up well with a scarf, hat, gloves and coat. Avoid nipping out with just your indoor clothes on, even if it’s only for a couple of minutes.
Natural fibre materials are advisable, as these help to hold warmth in against the skin, unlike man-made materials which tend to draw the heat away.
Try to be active as this helps encourage circulatory flow.
You can also help prevent chilblains if you follow a regular foot health routine (see looking after your feet leaflet) and eat a healthy balanced diet.
If chilblains have developed
Do not scratch them. Soothing lotions such as witch hazel or calamine will take away most of the discomfort. If the chilblain has ulcerated, apply an antiseptic dressing.
If you are concerned about the appearance of the chilblain, or have diabetes or are undergoing medical treatment, have the ulcer assessed by your GP or podiatrist.
If the chilblain has not broken you can paint it with a mixture of friar’s balsam and a weak solution of iodine, which your pharmacist may make up for you, or an over-the-counter preparation.
At night, rub some lanolin ointment or other good moisturisers well into the feet to help retain heat and moisture.
Don't
- do not use sharp instruments such as razor blades to cut corns or hard skin
- do not use corn paints or corn plasters which contain acid
- do not use ingrowing toenail paints as these contain acid
When to seek medical advice
Most people don’t need to seek medical advice if they have chilblains as they usually heal within a few weeks and don’t cause any permanent problems. However, see your GP or podiatrist for advice if you have:
- severe or recurring chilblains
- signs of infection
Your GP may recommend taking a daily tablet called nifedipine which helps to relax blood vessels, improving circulation to the skin.
Contact podiatry foot protection
Cantley Health Centre
Middleham Road
Cantley
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN4 6ED
- Phone: 03000 211550
- Email: rdash.podiatryreferrals@nhs.net
Document control
This information is correct at the time of publishing April 2017.
Document reference: DP4855/07.17
Page last reviewed: February 06, 2024
Next review due: February 06, 2025