Chilblains

Chilblains (Pernio)

Chilblains are caused by damp cold weather. If the skin gets cold because of poor circulation the tiny blood vessels under the skin narrow (constrict) and when the area rewarms fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the tissues. This can cause inflammation leading to small purplish red itchy shiny swollen areas developing on the toes. If you rub these itchy areas skin breakdown can occur and you risk a secondary bacterial infection.

Warming up the skin too quickly when it is cold can cause chilblains. Chilblains can occur several hours after exposure to the cold. Chilblains last about 7 days if you are not exposed to the cold again.

Some drugs, for example beta blockers, can cause narrowing of blood vessels which can make you more prone to chilblains. [It is extremely important to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor however tell your doctor if you have just started taking a new drug and are now suffering from chilblains]

Preventing Chilblains

Prevention is the Best Treatment

Keep your feet and legs warm
Wear warm clothes
Men - wear knee length socks in winter and possibly in summer as well but this will depend on how cold your legs and feet are
Women - wear at least 40 denier stockings or tights, 40 or 50 denier knee highs or knee length socks in winter and possibly in summer as well but this will depend on how cold your legs and feet are
Wear wool based clothes, they are much warmer than synthetic fibres
Wear bed socks
Wear warm pyjamas
Wear sturdy shoes or boots
Take a bath before bedtime to warm yourself up. Do not expose cold toes to the warm/hot water immediately. Get in the bath and then immediately lift the toes out of the water. Allow your feet to gradually warm up before immersing them completely in the hot water
Take exercise within your normal capabilities
Put your coat on 5-10 minutes before going outside on a cold day. Warm yourself up inside the house before going out.

Contact Sue Ferguson
Podiatrist
Book an appointment now to help your foot pain (please note I am not accepting new patients)
Tel: 01580 765546

Ugg Boots and slippers

It is very important to keep your feet warm in summer and winter

I recommend you wear orthotics inside your Ugg Boots so that your feet are supported

Sue Ferguson
BSc (Hons), MRCPod
Chiropodist and Podiatrist
2 St Benets Court
Tenterden
Kent TN30 6QS
Tel: 01580 765546

Email: sjf.ferguson@gmail.com