Chilblains, also known as pernio, are painful skin conditions that result from the enlargement of small blood vessels as a result of repeated exposure to cold but not freezing air.
Especially if it gets warmer outside, chilblains typically go away in one to three weeks.
Symptoms
Chilblains may show these signs and symptoms:
- On your hands or feet, small, itchy red patches of skin are common.
- perhaps a skin ulcer or blistering
- Swelling of your skin
- Your skin feels hot to the touch
- An increase in pain and a shift in skin tone from red to dark blue
Causes
The actual cause of chilblains is unknown, but it is possible that they are an abnormal body response to cold exposure followed by rewarming. Rewarming of cold skin can lead to small blood vessels under the skin expanding more quickly than nearby larger blood vessels can handle, creating a bottleneck effect and the blood leaking into nearby tissues.
Risk factors
Chilblains may be more likely as a result of certain factors, such as:
- Clothing that is tight or exposes skin to the cold.You may be more prone to chilblains if you’re wearing tight-fitting clothing and footwear in cold, wet weather. Cold, wet weather increases the risk of chilblain development in exposed skin.
- sex.Compared to men, women have a higher risk of developing chilblains.
- Being underweight.Chilblains are more likely to develop in people who weigh about 20% less than would be predicted for their height.
- Environment and season.If you live in an area with high humidity and cold, but not freezing temperatures, your risk of chilblains is higher. They are more common from November to April. Chilblains are less likely in colder and drier areas because the living conditions and clothing used in these areas are more protective against cold.
- Having poor circulation.Circulation problems make a person more sensitive to temperature changes and more prone to chilblains.
- Having Raynaud’s disease.Both conditions can cause sores, but Raynaud’s causes different kinds of color changes on the skin. People with Raynaud’s disease are more susceptible to chilblains.
- Having an autoimmune disorder.The most prevalent autoimmune condition connected to chilblains is lupus, a connective tissue disease that is autoimmune in nature.
Complications
Consult a doctor if you suspect an infection because infections can be painful and even fatal if left untreated. Skin blisters that develop into ulcers and infections can complicate chilblains.
Prevention
To prevent chilblains:
- Avoid or minimize being in the cold.
- Wear mittens, warm, water-resistant footwear, and layers of loose-fitting clothing.
- When going outside in cold weather, make sure all exposed skin is completely covered.
- Keep your face, hands, and feet warm and dry.
- Keep your place of employment and home cozy warm.
- Don’t smoke.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Agaricus: Best Homeopathic Remedy for Chilblains
The most effective homeopathic treatment for chilblains is agaricus, which is used to treat common symptoms like burning and intense itching on both hands. Affected individuals may also experience a sharp, prickling pain, blue and cold hands, painful swellings of the hands and toes, and a burning sensation as if their hands were frozen.
Petroleum: For Painful Chilblains
The parts affected by chilblains itch horribly and feel like they are burning (like fire), and inflammation typically manifests with the cold weather. Petroleum is a homeopathic remedy used to treat chilblains where there is a lot of pain.
Lachesis: For Chilblains with Pus
Laches is a homeopathic treatment for chilblains that can help in cases of old chilblains that become infected and suppurating. It helps to renew the circulation without sloughing off the skin.
Rhustox: For Chilblains with Formication
Rhustox is a homeopathic treatment for vesicular eruptions, which include visible red, smooth, and shining swelling of the hands and feet, rubbing the affected areas increases the eruptions, and formication (the sensation of insects crawling over the skin).
Pulsatilla: Effective Natural Remedy for Chilblains
The homeopathic treatment Pulsatilla is used to treat chilblains that are hot, itchy, and have bluish-red swelling and swelling of the skin around the toes.
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