Chilblains
Chilblains are caused by damp cold weather. If the skin gets cold because of poor circulation the tiny blood vessels under the skin narrow (constrict) and when the area rewarms fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the tissues. This can cause inflammation leading to small purplish red itchy shiny swollen areas developing on the toes. If you rub these itchy areas skin breakdown can occur and you risk a secondary bacterial infection. Warming up the skin too quickly when it is cold can cause chilblains. Chilblains can occur several hours after exposure to the cold. Chilblains last about 7 days if you are not exposed to the cold again. Some drugs, for example beta blockers, can cause narrowing of blood vessels which can make you more prone to chilblains. [It is extremely important to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor however tell your doctor if you have just started taking a new drug and are now suffering from chilblains] Preventing Chilblains Prevention is the Best Treatment
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| Sue Ferguson, BSc (Hons), MChS Chiropody and Podiatry Clinic 2 St Benets Court Tenterden Kent TN30 6QS United Kingdom Email: mail@sueferguson.co.uk Tel: 01580 765546 Fax: 01580 764214 |
© Created by Sue Ferguson
Enquiries to : mail@sueferguson.co.uk
Date last updated:
29 January, 2010