As the weather is getting chillier there are a few health conditions we must watch for including the common cold, flu and even chilblains. Whilst nobody knows the cause behind chilblains it is widely thought as an extreme reaction of your body to very cold temperatures followed by rewarming. Make sure to take notice of your hands and feet during the colder weather and read the following.
You are at greater risk of chilblains If you:
· Have an autoimmune disease
· Have poor circulation
· Have Raynaud’s Disease
· Are underweight
· Wear tight fitting clothes
· Are female
So what are chilblains and how can we soothe them?
Chilblains are the inflammation in your small blood vessels which causes you pain and discomfort. They can cause itching, swelling, blisters, burning sensation on your skin and red patches. Usually this disappears if you cover all areas of skin when outside and keep yourself warm in cold weather within two weeks, but you must keep an eye out for infection if you blister, especially if you have poor circulation or diabetes as these could ulcerate.
If you have any concerns about chilblains or infection please visit your GP or local footcare specialist for advice.
For more information on chilblains please visit: https://www.sruk.co.uk/raynauds/chilblains/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgMPgBRDDARIsAOh3uyJHwlLigSuQOKmKo3zjYg6mNkTl1J_o0AOR8NeawpiElZAc1UoKfXwaAn9cEALw_wcB