How to Prevent Chilblains on Hands and Feet

Everyone occasionally suffers from cold hands or feet. Some people even wear socks to bed in winter to keep their feet warm. Although many think this is what chilblains are, it is not...

What are Chilblains on Hands and/or Feet?

‘Chilblains’ are red swellings (cold bumps) that occur on the hands or feet due to the cold, which causes our blood vessels to constrict to retain heat. The extremities, such as fingers, toes, but also feet, legs, nose, eyes, or chin, become less well-circulated due to the cold. The reduced circulation causes the body part to cool down, while the extra blood supplied to warm it cannot pass through the constricted blood vessels. This can damage the blood vessels and surrounding tissue, resulting in inflammation, red swellings, and associated symptoms. These swellings can be very itchy and painful. Normally, the swellings are harmless and disappear after a few weeks. Not only can the cold and humidity cause chilblains, but some medications, such as beta-blockers (for high blood pressure), can also trigger their development.

Heredity

Chilblains are not hereditary. However, some important factors, such as poor blood circulation, fragility of the blood vessels, and sweaty feet, are strongly familial. Nowadays, the condition is less common than before because our homes are much better heated and insulated. But for someone who does suffer from it, the phenomenon seems to recur almost annually, and indoor warmth is not the only solution. Curing the ailment is difficult; it is better to prevent it. This can be done in various ways:

Keep Them Warm and Well-Circulated!

Try to eliminate cold and humidity as much as possible. For example, wear leather shoes with a rubber or leather sole. Leather is warm, absorbs foot moisture, and can be made waterproof with aids. Shoes made of faux leather do not keep the feet warm and cause too much perspiration that is difficult to escape. Make sure your shoes fit well and are not too small or tight, as this can hinder good blood circulation. Warm wool socks stimulate circulation and are therefore better than synthetic socks. Those who have to brave real freezing cold in winter, on a bike or on foot, can protect their feet and hands not only with socks and gloves but also with an insulating layer of greasy ointment (such as udder ointment).

Warm wool socks stimulate circulation and are therefore better than synthetic socks.

Need Extra Help?

Of course, other methods have been developed to prevent or treat chilblains. By regularly massaging the feet and taking alternating foot baths, or by stimulating healthy circulation with Ginkgo Biloba, one can provide extra support to the circulation of the feet and hands. None of these methods is proven to be 100% effective, so it is better to consult a doctor in case of persistent symptoms.

Your doctor will often offer help with:

1 A vasodilator medication
2 Medicines for itching and pain
3 Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments

Absolutely Do Not Do!

Despite all your measures, have your feet or hands become cold through and through? Then do not warm them up too quickly by holding them against the central heating or near an open fire. Avoid extreme temperatures and let your icy limbs warm up slowly by immersing them in a gradually warming foot bath or holding them under the tap while gradually increasing the temperature. Of course, you can also place them against the warm skin of your sleeping partner at night.

Once Chilblains, Always Chilblains?

Those who suffer from chilblains this winter have a good chance of getting them again next winter. In that case, try to take your measures before winter begins. Those who handle this well will notice that the chilblains can disappear as spontaneously as they appeared.

Author: Sanne van der Rijt