Chilblains can be avoided with proper care
February 5, 2009
Chilblains are a medical condition often confused with frostbite, mainly because of its name. Chilblains mainly occur in cold or damp weather, especially if you have sensitive skin that reacts to such conditions in an abnormal way. Chilblains are painful and can be worsened if not taken proper care of.
Chilblains mainly occur at the extremities and hence are very painful. This condition may give rise to swelling, a burning sensation in the skin and itching too, which increases when there is a sudden change in temperature from cold to warm. Chilblains mainly occur on the toes, fingers, ears and nose.
When you are out in a cold atmosphere, the blood vessels in your body cool down due to the chill. These vessels, if warmed up quickly by sudden exposure to heat, can start to leak into the skin. This then leads to the formation of chilblains. The sensitive parts of your body, which are directly exposed to the cold, are prone to chilblains the most.
In order to prevent chilblains it is important for you to maintain the temperature of your body. You need to dress up well during cold weather so that every part of your body is covered and kept warm. Thick socks and gloves for feet and hands give natural heat to these parts, keeping your blood vessels warm and out of harm. In case you are cold, try not to come into contact with direct heat as this will increase the risk of chilblains.