Chilblains are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in skin that occur in response to repeated exposure to cold but not freezing air. Also known as pernio, chilblains can cause itching, red patches, swelling and blistering on hands and feet.
Chilblains usually clear up within one to three weeks, especially if the weather gets warmer.
Signs and symptoms of chilblains may include:
Actual cause of chilblains is unknown. They may be an abnormal reaction of the body to cold exposure followed by rewarming. Rewarming of cold skin can cause small blood vessels under the skin to expand more quickly than nearby larger blood vessels can handle. This results in a bottleneck effect and the blood leaking into nearby tissues.
Factors that may increase risk of chilblains include:
Chilblains may cause complications if skin blisters develop ulcers and infections. Besides being painful, infections are potentially life-threatening if left untreated. See a doctor if you suspect infection.
To prevent chilblains:
Agaricus for chilblains is the top grade homeopathic remedy for chilblains. It is used to treat common symptoms of chilblains, like a burning sensation and intense itching on both the hands. The affected person may feel as if their hands were frozen. The hands appear blue and cold, and painful swellings of the hands and toes may be present. A sharp, prickling pain may also be present.
Petroleum is a homeopathic remedy used to treat chilblains where there is a lot of pain. The parts affected by chilblains itch terribly and feel like they burn (like fire). Inflammation usually appears with the cold weather.
Laches is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains that can help in treating the cases of old chilblains that become inflamed and suppurating. This medicine is used in cases where the circulation in the capillary is affected. It helps to renew the circulation without sloughing off the skin. Dark blue swelling of the cellular tissue on the hands gives a mottled appearance, and a purple discoloration may be seen on the feet. This is an excellent homeopathic medicine for blood circulation.
Rhustox is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains that helps treat inflammation of the fingertips with formication (sensation of insects crawling over the skin). There is visibly red, smooth and shining swelling of the hands and feet. Rubbing the affected parts increases the eruptions. This medicine is used to treat vesicular eruptions.
Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy for chilblains which are hot, have bluish-red swelling, and itching. Purple discoloration of the feet along with an inflammation of the toes is also there,e.t.c