Winter’s icy grip can bring more than just a chill to your extremities. Chilblains, a painful inflammatory condition, can affect your feet and ankles, leaving them itchy, swollen, and even blistered. But since most people haven’t heard of Chilblains before, we at Your Next Step will unpack it in today’s post.

What are Chilblains?

Chilblains occur when your skin’s blood vessels constrict in response to cold and damp conditions, especially temperatures just above freezing or during rapid warming after cold exposure. This constriction reduces blood flow to the affected areas and leads to inflammation and tissue damage.

Symptoms typically appear several hours after exposure and may include red or bluish skin discoloration, swelling, itching and burning sensations, and blisters or ulcers (in severe cases).

Who Is at Risk?

• Poor circulation: Conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon or peripheral artery disease can worsen blood flow to the extremities.
• Autoimmune diseases: Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can increase inflammation.
• Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition.
• Low body weight: Having less body fat can make you more sensitive to cold.
• Smoking: Smoking constricts blood vessels.

Treatment

Most cases of chilblains resolve within 1-3 weeks, especially with proper care and avoidance of further cold exposure. Here’s what that looks like:

• Keep the affected area warm and dry, and avoid any scratching or rubbing that could further irritate the skin.
• If your feet or ankles get cold, warm them up gradually to avoid sudden changes in blood flow that could worsen the condition. Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and itching, while over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort.
• Protecting the skin with gentle cleansers and moisturizers is also important to prevent further damage and promote healing.
• Further ways to prevent Chilblains include layering your clothing and limiting your exposure to the cold. Regular exercise, of course, is a great way to keep the body warm and maintain good circulation.
• In severe cases, complications like blisters, ulcers, or infections may occur. If you experience severe symptoms or signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are eager to assist with all your foot and ankle problems. Solidify your appointment and contact us today!