"Claire Petersky" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:<[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:On Nov 27, 9:54 am, "Claire Petersky" <[email hidden]>
wrote:
Quoted message said:Quoted message said:I was like popsicle when I got home - icy wet, feet numb with cold,
chilblains on the ankles.
Quoted message said:Hi, Claire, I always enjoy your posts but this time I got enjoyment
AND a surprise.
Back in the 'old county' (Limeyland) chilblains were a common
complaint but since I have been in the States I have never heard of
anyone getting them. Even I don't get them anymore.
I'm sure my old Mum had a 'folk remedy' for them but I have been here
for 45 years and that memory has faded. Next time I talk to Mum I'll
ask her. She is 94 but still seems to remember things from 'way back
when' very well.
I feel like I'm in a Victorian novel when I get chilblains.
--
Warm Regards,
Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky
Sorry, I am right about the warming up procedure.
What are chilblains and what causes them?
Chilblains (sometimes called pernio) are small, itchy, painful, red
swellings on the skin. Chilblains are thought to be caused by an abnormal
skin reaction to cold. They tend to occur on the 'extremities' that more
easily become cold. That is, the toes, fingers, nose, and earlobes. However,
other areas of skin sometimes develop chilblains when they become cold. For
example, the heels, lower legs and thighs (especially in horse riders).
Chilblains are common. It is thought that about 1 in 10 people in the UK get
chilblains at some stage in their life. It is not clear why some people get
chilblains when their skin gets cold. It is probably due to 'poor
circulation' in the extremities (toes, fingers, etc). The tiny blood vessels
under the skin narrow (constrict) when the skin becomes cold. The blood
supply to areas of skin may then become very slow. As the skin re-warms
there is some leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the tissues. In
some way this causes areas of inflammation and swelling leading to
chilblains.
The speed (rate) of temperature change may play a part. Some people get
chilblains if they warm up cold skin too quickly. For example, with a hot
water bottle or by sitting very close to a fire.
Some people with poor circulation and with other problems of their blood
vessels are more prone to developing chilblains. However, most chilblains
occur in people who are otherwise healthy.
What are the symptoms of chilblains?
Chilblains occur several hours after being exposed to the cold. You may get
just one chilblain but often several develop. They may join together to form
a larger swollen, red area of skin.
a.. Chilblains are very itchy. A burning sensation is also typical.
b.. They are usually red to start with but may become purple.
c.. Pain and tenderness over the chilblains often develops.
d.. In some cases the skin over a chilblain may blister which may delay
healing.
e.. Sometimes the skin breaks down to leave a small ulcer which is prone
to infection.
Each chilblain typically lasts about seven days, and then gradually goes
away over a week or so. Some people get recurring bouts of chilblains each
winter.
Can you prevent chilblains?
If you are prone to chilblains then trying to prevent them is sensible.
a.. Keep your hands and feet warm when out in cold weather by using warm
gloves and socks. Consider special heated gloves and socks if chilblains are
a recurring problem.
b.. If possible, exercise vigorously before going out into the cold. The
theory is that this will improve the circulation to the hands and feet.
There is no clear evidence to confirm that this works but it is traditional
advice.
c.. Do not heat the skin quickly after being out in the cold with hot
water bottles, etc. Gradually warm up.
d.. Side-effects to some drugs may constrict (narrow) tiny blood vessels.
This may be enough to make you prone to recurring chilblains. For example,
beta-blocker drugs can have this effect. Tell your doctor if you become
prone to chilblains since starting any medication.
What is the treatment for chilblains?
a.. Keep the affected areas warm. This means staying out of the cold, or
wearing warm gloves, socks, etc, when outdoors.
b.. No other treatment is normally needed as they usually go away by
themselves.
c.. A range of soothing creams and lotions (such as calamine lotion) can
be bought from a pharmacy. These may ease the soreness until symptoms go.
d.. A steroid cream rubbed onto the chilblains may reduce itch and
soreness.
e.. Medication is sometimes used to prevent chilblains in people who have
recurring chilblains. A drug called nifedipine can dilate (open wide) the
small blood vessels and may help to prevent chilblains.
