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CHILBLAINS
INTRODUCTION
A
chilblain is a small, red swelling on the skin which
can be very itchy and gradually becomes very painful.
Chilblains usually occur on the smaller toes but can
occur on the finger, face and the nose. They occur due
to an abnormal reaction of the body to cold. A chilblain
may also occur on a pressure bearing area such as a
bunion.
APPEARANCE
- A
chilblain will usually appear as a red, swollen lesion.
- They
can dry out leaving cracks in the skin, which expose
the skin to infection.
SYMPTOMS
- The
lesion becomes increasingly painful.
- The
lesion becomes very itchy.
- Patients
may suffer from a burning sensation on their feet.
- In
extreme cases the surface of the skin may break and
an infection may develop.
CAUSES
- A
chilblain is an abnormal reaction to cold.
- Elderly
people with a poor circulation are at a greater risk.
- Young
adults who work outdoors or in cold conditions, such
as butchers, are also at risk.
- If
the skin is chilled and then followed by too rapid
warming such as a gas fire, a chilblain may develop.
- Damp
living conditions can also be a contributing factor.
- The
sudden onset of very cold water on the skin can also
lead to a chilblain.
- Other
contributing factors include dietary, hormonal imbalance
and people who suffer from anemia.
WHAT
YOU CAN DO
- Keep
legs and body warm, especially if you have poor circulation.
- Leg
warmers and thick woolen socks may be of benefit.
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WHAT
NOT TO DO
- Don’t
scratch them
- Place your feet close to fires or electric radiators/heaters.
- Rest your feet on hot water bottles.
- Sleep with your electric blanket on high temperature
settings.
WHAT
THE CHIROPODIST WILL DO
- Advise
soothing lotions such as witch hazel and calamine.
- If
the chilblain is infected, the chiropodist will apply
antiseptic dressings.
- The
chiropodist may recommend a mixture of friar’s balsam
and weak iodine to paint onto the lesion and/or Lanolin
ointment to rub in to the feet at night to retain
heat.
CONDITIONS
THAT RESEMBLE A CHILBLAIN
- Gout
- Fungal
infection of the skin.
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