If you have become aware of a small red itchy
patch of skin on your toes after you have been exposed to the cold, it may be
that you have a chilblain. If it is a chilblain, then moving into a warm
environment will cause it to itch even more.
If you have had this for a little while and noticed that it has become
increasingly painful and is turning blue, it is most probable that you have a
chilblain. This chilblain may not only be on your toes, but your fingers, nose
and/or earlobes.
Chilblains are an abnormal response of the blood
vessels in the extremities, after exposure to
cold temperatures. The vessels constrict as a reaction to the cold and when
they are warmed they fail to expand to allow the blood to flow through. The blood then leaks into the tissues,
causing a chilblain.
Clearly, not everyone moving from cold to warm
environments develop chilblains. Those who are most susceptible include the
elderly, teenagers, those with a sedentary lifestyle and sufferers of certain medical
conditions, such as anaemia.
Here at the Footcare
Clinic in Macclesfield, we see many patients suffering with
chilblains during the winter months. Among other treatments and advice
available, we recommend
Body Essentials 'Warm your Sole' prepared specifically to soothe skin
traumatised by chilblains.
Pop in to see us, or make an appointment....
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