Winter isn’t over in Central Oregon, which means some of us still have cold hands and feet. Some people also suffer from chilblains, a painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin that occur in response to sudden warming from cold temperatures.

Chilblains on the toes.

Chilblains tend to occur on skin that has been exposed to cold and is then warmed too quickly, such as warming your feet directly in front of a heater or fire. Patients complain of itching, red patches, swelling and blistering on their toes. Exactly why chilblains develops in certain people is unknown, but people with poor circulation or who are overly sensitive to changes in temperature are more susceptible to chilblains. Women are also more likely to develop this condition.

Some people with chilblains of the toes do not feel the need to see a doctor, but if the pain becomes too severe or if the skin is ulcerated with the risk of infection, a podiatrist can offer treatments that are quite successful in improving the condition. The earliest symptoms can be treated with corticosteroid creams, which relieve itching and swelling. For more severe cases, there are some very successful treatment options as well.

Two habits to prevent chilblains are to dress appropriately for the weather (wool socks!) and if your skin does get cold, rewarm it gradually, since the sudden warming of cold skin may worsen chilblains.

If you are suffering from any new itching, swelling or blistering, make an appointment and I can provide treatment options.

–Dr. Frank, 541-385-7129