If you’ve been outside in the cold, chances are you can’t wait to go home and warm up your toes and feet. Sometimes after you are in the warm indoors, you can experience a burning and itching sensation, especially in the toes. It may be a common winter condition called chilblains, which is caused by an inflammatory response. Read about the symptoms and ways to prevent and treat them!

Symptoms

• Burning
• Itching
• Redness
• Inflammation

Treatment

• Gradually warm feet, rather than jumping in a hot shower
• Apply soothing lotion or ointment
• Soak feet in lukewarm water with Epsom salt
• Consult with a podiatrist if you are diabetic or develop blisters or ulcers

Prevention

• Wear thick insulated socks before venturing out into cold conditions
• Increase blood circulation through regular exercise
• Avoid tight footwear
• Apply moisturizing ointment before going outside
• Check your feet regularly

With diligent prevention, many can avoid this common winter affliction. However, if you have diabetes or are prone to poor circulation, consulting with a foot care specialist can help minimize risks for complications like ulcers.

The team of board-certified podiatrists at Your Next Step are dedicated to helping patients with all types of foot and ankle conditions, including sports injuries, heel pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, diabetic foot problems, joint pain, and nerve related problems. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and expertise in podiatric issues, our podiatrists Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen improve the foot health of individuals with careful, compassionate care. Contact us at any of our locations in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown for more information or to schedule an appointment today!