Table of Contents
Introduction
Who is at risk?
While anyone can get chilblains, women and people who have low body mass indexes are more likely to develop this condition. Other risk factors include:
- smoking
- wearing tight-fitting clothing or shoes in damp, cold weather
- Raynaud’s disease or an autoimmune disease like Lupus
- poor blood circulation
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
What are the symptoms?
Prevention and treatment
If you need treatment, healthcare providers may prescribe oral or topical medications that can help reduce itching and pain, and reduce chances of recurrence.
The most significant way to ease and prevent chilblains is to avoid prolonged exposure to cold air. Dressing in layers, wearing gloves, hats, warm socks and covered shoes are ways to protect your extremities from the cold air. Keep your skin moisturized with lotion to prevent excessive dryness as well. If you smoke or have underlying conditions that could affect your circulation, talk to your doctor to address these issues.
How Can Precision Foot and Ankle Centers Help?
Sometimes living in a typically warm and sunny place like California can reduce your preparedness when it comes to cold weather conditions like chilblains. If you’re caught off guard and need help with prevention or treatment, be sure to get in touch with our expert foot doctors. At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, we are prepared to treat a wide range of foot conditions, including injuries, bunions, heel pain, diabetes-related issues, and toenail conditions. Our priority is to enhance your foot health and comfort, so contact any of our offices in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro if you have any foot problems, big or small!
Looking to schedule an appointment with a physician?
Schedule an appointment with us by calling us now or by clicking the button below to begin requesting your appointment today!