Chilblains: When Your Toes Decide They’ve Had Enough of Winter!

Cold weather can bring many lovely things: cosy jumpers, hot chocolate, crackling fires and an excellent excuse to stay under a blanket.

Unfortunately, it can also bring chilblains — those red, itchy, sore little patches that seem to appear on your toes just when you thought your feet had enough to deal with!

As a Foot Health Practitioner, I see chilblains regularly, particularly during the colder months. They can be uncomfortable, irritating and sometimes surprisingly painful. The good news is that there are things you can do to help prevent them and make your feet much more comfortable.

So, What Exactly Is A Chilblain?

A chilblain is a small area of inflammation that happens when the tiny blood vessels in the skin react badly to changes in temperature.

They often appear on the toes, fingers, heels or ears and can look red, purple or slightly swollen. They may feel itchy, burning, sore or tender.

And, of course, the more they itch, the more you want to scratch them!  Please try not to. Scratching can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.

Why do chilblains happen?

Our bodies are clever things, but sometimes our circulation doesn't quite know what to do when the temperature changes quickly.

When your feet get very cold, the small blood vessels narrow. If your feet are then warmed too quickly, the blood vessels may not respond properly, which can cause inflammation.

This is why one of the biggest pieces of advice I give my patients is:

Don't put cold feet directly onto a radiator or in front of a roaring fire!

I know. It is very tempting.  Instead, warm your feet gradually with warm socks, slippers or blankets.

What Can You Do To Help Prevent Chilblains?

Keeping your feet warm is one of the easiest ways to help prevent chilblains.

Try these simple tips:

·       Wear warm socks: Wool or thermal socks can be particularly useful.

·       Choose comfortable footwear: Shoes should fit properly and shouldn't squeeze your toes.

·       Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Warm your feet gradually rather than putting them directly onto a radiator or next to a fire.

·       Keep moving: Regular movement can help encourage circulation.

·       Look after your skin: Keeping your feet moisturised can help prevent dryness and cracking.

·       Avoid nicotine and excess caffeine: Strange but true!

·       Seek medical review if chilblains recur each winter: It could help in the long-run.

And don't forget to check your feet regularly. Chilblains can sometimes cause the skin to become dry, cracked or broken.

How Can I Help As A Foot Health Practitioner?

When you come to see me with a chilblain or sore, uncomfortable feet, I'll have a good look at your feet and the surrounding skin.

I'll check for things such as dry or cracked skin, pressure areas, corns, calluses and other problems that could be making your feet uncomfortable.

Sometimes a chilblain isn't the only problem going on. For example, thickened skin or a corn may be putting pressure on an already sore area.

By carefully removing unwanted hard skin where appropriate, I can help reduce pressure and make your feet more comfortable.

I can also advise you on suitable foot-care products to keep your skin soft and healthy. If your skin is dry or cracked, the right moisturiser can make a big difference.

I'll also look at your footwear and discuss simple changes that may help prevent pressure and irritation.

Please Don't Ignore Sore Toes

Most chilblains settle within a few weeks, particularly once the weather becomes warmer.

However, if you have severe pain, broken skin, blistering, signs of infection or chilblains that aren't improving, it's important to seek medical advice.

If you have diabetes, circulation problems or another condition that affects your feet, you should take any changes to your feet seriously and seek appropriate professional advice.

Don't Let Chilblains Put You Off Your Feet!

Chilblains may be small, but they can certainly make walking uncomfortable.

Keeping your feet warm, choosing well-fitting shoes, staying active and looking after your skin can all help.

And if your feet are already suffering, I'm here to help.

At Happy Feet Hove, I provide professional foot care and practical advice to help keep your feet comfortable, healthy and happy throughout the year.

Because your feet work hard for you every day, give them a little TLC — and don't let chilblains put you off your feet!

I hope this has been helpful.  If you need to get in touch with me, please do so…