Chilblains are a common painful and annoying condition on the toes when the foot is warmed up too quickly after it is cold.
They are common in those with COVID Toes.
What can be done to help chilblains?:
- Warmth: Gradually warm the affected areas by moving to a warmer environment. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as they can worsen symptoms. Use warm water or a warm compress to gently warm the affected areas.
- Avoid further cold exposure: Protect the affected areas from cold temperatures. Wear warm socks, gloves, and other appropriate clothing when going outside in cold weather. Keep your whole body warm to prevent further chilblain development.
- Avoid scratching: Itching can be a common symptom of chilblains, but scratching can further irritate the skin and potentially lead to infection. Resist the urge to scratch, and instead, apply a soothing lotion or cream to relieve itching.
- Moisturize: Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to keep the affected areas hydrated. Dry skin can exacerbate chilblains, so keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent further irritation.
- Elevate: If the affected areas are swollen, try elevating them above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling and promote circulation.
- Avoid tight footwear: Tight shoes or socks can worsen chilblains and impede circulation. Opt for well-fitting shoes and socks that provide adequate warmth and allow proper blood flow.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: If you experience discomfort or pain, you can consider using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed.
- Seek medical attention if necessary: If your chilblains are severe, persistent, or show signs of infection (such as pus, increased redness, or worsening pain), it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide further evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include prescription medications or specialized wound care.
Chilblains FAQ’s:
What are chilblains on the feet?
Chilblains are small, itchy, painful, swollen patches of inflamed skin that usually appear on the toes, heels, or sides of the feet. They result from an abnormal reaction to cold, damp (but not freezing) conditions. The small blood vessels near the skin surface constrict in the cold; when the skin rewarms too quickly, they expand faster than deeper vessels can handle, leading to leakage of blood into surrounding tissue, inflammation, and the characteristic symptoms. They most often affect the extremities and are common in damp-cold climates.
What causes chilblains on the toes or feet?
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but they are triggered by prolonged or intermittent exposure to cold and damp air followed by rapid rewarming. Risk factors include being female, low body weight or poor nutrition, family history, smoking (which affects circulation), tight footwear, wet socks/shoes, and certain underlying conditions such as connective tissue disorders, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or peripheral vascular issues. They are not the same as frostbite.
What do chilblains on the feet look and feel like?
Symptoms typically develop several hours (often 12–24) after cold exposure and include:
- Itching or a burning/stinging sensation (often worse when entering a warm room)
- Red, purple, or bluish patches or bumps (redness can be harder to see on darker skin tones)
- Swelling and tenderness
- Pain
- In more severe cases, blisters, sores, or small ulcers
They commonly affect the toes and can be bilateral (both feet). The skin may feel shiny in some cases.
How long do chilblains on the feet last?
Acute chilblains usually clear up on their own within 1–3 weeks (often 7–14 days) if further cold exposure is avoided. Some people experience them recurrently every winter, and chronic forms can persist longer with repeated exposure, occasionally leading to scarring or permanent colour changes.
How are chilblains on the feet treated?
Most cases improve with simple self-care:
- Keep the feet warm and dry, but warm them gradually (never put cold feet directly against a radiator, hot water bottle, or into hot water).
- Avoid scratching or rubbing, as broken skin can become infected.
- Use soothing lotions such as calamine or witch hazel for itching (ask a pharmacist).
- Moisturise the skin and cover any broken areas with a clean dressing.
- Over-the-counter options like 1% hydrocortisone cream or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may help with itch and discomfort.
For severe or recurrent cases, a doctor may prescribe nifedipine (a medication that widens blood vessels) or other treatments. Topical corticosteroids are sometimes used.
How can I prevent chilblains on my feet?
Prevention focuses on avoiding big temperature swings and keeping feet consistently warm and dry:
- Wear warm, loose-fitting socks (wool or thermal) and water-resistant footwear; avoid tight shoes that restrict circulation.
- Dress in layers and keep your whole body warm.
- Change out of wet socks/shoes promptly.
- Warm up gradually after being outside.
- Stay active to improve circulation; avoid smoking and excess caffeine.
- Keep indoor environments warm and dry.
- Some people benefit from silver-lined or special thermal socks.
Are chilblains on the feet serious? When should I see a doctor?
Chilblains are usually mild and self-limiting with no permanent damage if managed properly. However, seek medical advice if:
- Symptoms last longer than 2–3 weeks or keep recurring.
- The skin breaks, blistering occurs, or there are signs of infection (pus, increasing redness/swelling/pain, fever).
- You have diabetes (foot problems can be more serious).
- Symptoms appear without cold exposure or continue into warmer weather.
- You are unsure whether it might be something else (e.g., frostbite).
What’s the difference between chilblains and other conditions like Raynaud’s or frostbite?
Raynaud’s typically involves temporary colour changes (white-blue-red) lasting minutes to hours due to vessel spasm, without the lasting inflamed bumps of chilblains. Frostbite involves actual freezing of tissue and is more severe, often occurring at below-freezing temperatures. Chilblains occur in non-freezing cold/damp conditions and produce localised inflammatory lesions lasting days to weeks.
These answers summarise standard medical guidance. Individual cases can vary—consult a doctor or podiatrist for personalised advice, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.