Can chilblains be cured?

Chilblains can be uncomfortable, but rarely cause any permanent damage. They normally heal within a few weeks if further exposure to the cold is avoided.

What foods to avoid if you have chilblains?

There are also foods that are best avoided when it comes to the wellbeing of your circulatory system. Foods low in dietary fibre are detrimental to our blood vessels — fatty fried food, puddings, cakes and biscuits, sweets, you get the picture.

What cream is best for chilblains?

Calamine lotion and witch hazel are both soothing and cooling, whilst antiseptic should be applied to broken chilblains until medical attention is sought. A steroid cream rubbed onto the chilblains may reduce itch and soreness.

What happens if you leave chilblains untreated?

Chilblains may cause complications if your skin blisters. If that happens, you may develop ulcers and infections. Besides being painful, infections are potentially life-threatening if left untreated.

What is the fastest way to cure chilblains?

Rewarming affected skin gently, without massaging, rubbing or applying direct heat. Avoiding cold exposure whenever possible. Keeping your affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat. Applying lotion to alleviate itching.

What home remedy can I use to get rid of chilblains?

If you have chilblains, these are some home treatments you can try:

1. Resist the urge to scratch, as this will further damage the skin.
2. Use calamine lotion or witch hazel to soothe the itching.
3. Rub Deep Heat or similar onto the feet to promote heat and circulation.
4. Wear woollen or cotton socks.
5. Keep your whole body warm.

What is a home remedy for chilblains?

Suggestions for treating chilblains at home include:

1. Resist the urge to scratch, as this will further damage the skin.
2. Use calamine lotion or witch hazel to soothe the itching.
3. Lanolin or similar, rubbed into the feet, will help retain body heat.
4. Wear woollen or cotton socks.
5. Keep your whole body warm.

Is Vicks good for chilblains?

Chilblains are caused by poor circulation in response to the cold. The tiny blood vessels under the skin narrow in low temperatures. When the skin warms up again they become leaky and fluid gets into the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation.

Which herbs are good for chilblains?

Another good herb for chilblains is prickly ash – available as a tincture or in fluid extract. Try a cup of ginger tea twice a day. Eat garlic or take garlic capsules. Ginkgo may also be very helpful for this condition.

Is e45 good for chilblains?

Unfortunately there are no specific creams or medications for this, but a soothing cream such as e45 or Sudocrem won’t do you any harm. Some people who are prone to chilblains may have underlying circulatory problems.

Are chilblains common?

Chilblains are quite common. They can occur at any age. They are most common in children and in older people. They also occur more in women than in men.

Is Vaseline good for chilblains?

Finally, I monitor any chilblains that do develop. If the skin shows signs of cracking I use petroleum jelly and adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aid® bandages) to keep the skin moisturized and protected. This prevents infection. Even though it doesn’t look like much, cracked, infected skin on a chilblain is very painful.