The cold is back, and so are chilblains

Anyone who suffers from chilblains knows that when the thermometer suddenly drops, you need to be very careful. Not so much because of the intense cold that forces us to wrap up and seek shelter indoors, but because of temperature swings.

Why do chilblains appear on the hands and feet? An abnormal reaction of the body to the cold

Chilblains is a misleading name.

Hearing it, you would expect this phenomenon to be caused by the chill itself.

In reality, erythema pernio, the name doctors use for this condition, is a skin lesion caused by a sudden change from warm to cold.

What exactly happens, and why do chilblains appear on the hands and feet in particular?

Let's imagine a typical situation.

It's winter and an icy wind is blowing, but you have to go out and run some errands for Christmas. You put on your coat, wrap a scarf around your neck and leave the house, facing the cold that creeps under your clothes, onto your skin. You walk a little way and then go into a shop. As soon as the door closes, you feel a pleasant warmth envelop you. The heating makes the place extremely comfortable.

But there is a problem: the difference in temperature between outside and inside is really large.

What happens in these conditions?

When we are exposed to the cold, the body triggers a protective response that narrows the blood vessels, reducing their diameter through the contraction of muscle fibres.

This is vasoconstriction, a reaction that serves to reduce heat loss and to ensure a steady flow of blood to the vital organs (such as the heart and brain), reducing the amount that reaches the more peripheral parts of the body.

This is why during the cold season our skin looks duller and more lacklustre: because it is “nourished” less, sacrificed in favour of other parts of the body that are more important for our survival.

In the warmth, the opposite process takes place, vasodilation: on contact with high temperatures, the blood vessels dilate to allow normal circulation to be restored.

The problem arises when these two phenomena follow each other in quick succession, causing inflammation of the small blood vessels that supply the skin.

This creates vascular damage that shows up through various symptoms affecting the skin, which looks pale and cold.

Chilblains on hands and feet: the main risk factors

These superficial injuries occur more often in certain groups of people, who show a greater predisposition to chilblains.

Children and the elderly are the most exposed: in these age groups, in fact, the mechanisms that regulate body temperature are not yet (or no longer) efficient and do not work quickly.

Women are affected by chilblains more than men, particularly those with a low body mass index, that is, with below-average weight.

In general, being very thin and eating too little can predispose you to this disorder, because it is the burning of the nutrients we take in through food that allows our body to maintain an adequate temperature.

Having previously suffered cold injuries can also be a risk factor, increasing the likelihood of chilblains appearing during the winter season.

Certain conditions such as diabetes mellitus, lupus and Raynaud's phenomenon contribute to a greater risk of the disorder appearing.

Finally, some lifestyle habits affect how blood vessels react to heat and cold:

• drinking alcohol promotes the dilation of blood vessels and heat loss
• the nicotine in cigarettes, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, narrowing the blood vessels, which are therefore more prone to tissue damage.

How can you tell if you have chilblains?

Chilblains appear mainly during the winter season because, as we have seen, they are caused by the rapid warming of the body after exposure to intense cold, a very common situation at this time of year, when we often move from the cold streets to heated indoor spaces.

But how can you tell if you have chilblains?

You need to pay attention to the symptoms, which can appear all over the body but usually show up in the most exposed areas, at the extremities such as the fingers and toes, the nose and the earlobes. The main symptoms of chilblains that could set alarm bells ringing are:

• reddish-purple patches with slight swelling
• a feeling of numbness
• a pins-and-needles sensation
• burning
• reduced sensitivity
• erythema
• swelling

In more severe cases, chilblains can result in very painful blisters, fissures and ulcers, which form on the cracked skin.

What to do when you have chilblains: diagnosis and treatment

Even though chilblains are a harmless disorder, it is better not to give in to the temptation to solve the problem yourself.

However effective and cheap “grandmother's remedies” may seem at first glance, DIY treatment carries health risks and could cause greater harm, complicating the problem.

For this reason, if you think you suffer from chilblains, the best advice we can give you is to see your trusted dermatologist. By directly observing the symptoms and carrying out any necessary tests, the doctor will be able to assess the situation and make a correct diagnosis, also prescribing the appropriate therapy.

Treatment of chilblains usually involves the use of corticosteroid creams or ointments to apply directly to the affected area to relieve symptoms, reducing the swelling and itching caused by the lesions.

Cortisone-based medicines, however, do not cure chilblains. They simply serve to treat the symptoms, providing relief from the discomfort linked to this skin disorder.

At present, unfortunately, there is no real targeted cure for chilblains.

Alongside a cream, the dermatologist may also prescribe Artedin Retard, a supplement that helps against symptoms linked to circulatory disorders thanks to the plant-based ingredients in its formulation.

Allium sativum (garlic extracted from the bulb) acts on the metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol, helps to regulate blood pressure, counteracting hypertension, and helps to regulate the function of the cardiovascular system.

It is deodorised, treated with a new technology that prevents gastric reflux.

Ginkgo Biloba protects vessels and tissues and has an important antioxidant action, fighting the harmful effect of free radicals on the walls of the blood vessels.

Then there are Oleuropein, Folic Acid and Vitamins C and E, which support blood circulation and help to protect cells.

What happens if chilblains are not treated

Chilblains are quite a common problem.

But that does not mean they should be underestimated. In some people, in fact, chilblains can cause serious complications, especially when they lead to the formation of blisters and ulcers that expose us to infections, even serious ones.

This is why it is wise to adopt all the good practices that help keep the situation under control, preventing the lesions from getting worse.

• Limit exposure to the cold
• cover exposed skin well, wearing warm but not too tight clothing
• avoid drinking alcohol and smoking

How long does it take for chilblains to heal

As a rule, barring complications, chilblains are a problem that resolves spontaneously within a few weeks of the symptoms appearing.

Of course, for this to happen, further prolonged exposure to the cold must be avoided.

It is possible, however, for chilblains to recur and reappear months later, with the return of winter.

Please note

Information provided for informational purposes only, which cannot constitute a diagnosis, the prescription of a treatment, or a substitute for a direct relationship with a doctor or a specialist visit. Always seek the advice of your own doctor and/or specialists.

For any reports or complaints, please contact the owner of this website at the email address gdtif@gditalia.biz

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