What are the symptoms of chilblains?
Common symptoms of chilblains include:
- Painful swelling on the skin
- Itching or a burning sensation
- Red or purple skin
- Cold or numb feeling in the affected areas
What causes chilblains?
Chilblains are caused by an abnormal reaction of the skin to cold temperatures. When people warm up too quickly after being cold, the small blood vessels may not work properly, leading to swelling and pain.
How common are chilblains?
Chilblains are quite common, especially in colder climates. They mostly affect people who live in such areas, and are more likely to happen in the winter months.
Who is more likely to get chilblains?
Some people are more likely to experience chilblains, including:
- People with poor circulation
- Those who have a history of chilblains
- People with certain medical conditions, like Raynaud’s disease
- Women, as they tend to be affected more than men
How can I treat chilblains?
While chilblains often go away on their own, there are some ways to help ease the symptoms:
- Keep the affected areas warm and dry
- Avoid scratching the skin
- Use a cold cream or ointment to soothe the skin
- Take pain relief medication if needed, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Powered by pharmacies
With over 1,700 pharmacy partners across the UK, you can get the help you need, wherever you are based.
Our website and mobile app make it easy and convenient to manage your health needs and book services at a pharmacy nearby.
How to prevent chilblains?
To help prevent chilblains, you can:
- Wear warm, dry socks and shoes
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
- Keep your feet and hands warm in cold weather
- Try to avoid tight footwear that can restrict blood flow
Final thoughts
Chilblains can be uncomfortable but can usually be managed with simple care. If you are worried about chilblains or have severe symptoms, please speak to your GP or healthcare provider for guidance.
