Chilblains are a relatively common problem when the weather is colder. They are a painful and itchy reaction of the small blood vessels in the toes to the changes in temperature. They results in a painful red patch, that later becomes a dark blue color if they become chronic. They have recently been getting some extra publicity in the mass media due to them being more common in those infected with coronovirus, getting the name, COVID toes.
Chilblains are a seasonal problem and occur in all countries in which the climate gets cold enough to cause the reaction in the skin. An episode of PodChatLive had a deep look at the problem of chilblains:
The best way to deal with chilblains is to prevent them by keeping the feet warm. If a chilblain does develop then it needs to be kept warm and the protected to prevent the skin from breaking down. There are various chilblain creams that can be used to help to stimulate the circulation.
