UKC

Although I've always had really cold feet, I've recently started suffering from chilblains on my toes - probably caused by running through melt-water & streams! (or perhaps just old age ;/

I've had a look on the NHS direct site, but any tips from people here on the best ways to avoid them, or to speed up recovery if you get them? Is it actually how cold your feet get that is the problem, or the speed at which you warm them back up?

Many thanks

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:

I think they're affected by the speed of warming. My mum always used to warn us we'd get them when we used to sit with our feet up against the radiators.

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC: My missus suggests using a product called Balmosa for relief after the event.

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Chilblains.htm

Also:-

Causes of Chilblains
Exposure to Cold, damp, nonfreezing weather is the biggest contributor of Chilblains. When the blood vessels become cold they constrict and when the skin is warmed too quickly the vessels cannot react quick enough and blood leaks into the skin causing Chilblains to form. The key point is that even though it is the damp cold weather that is related to Chilblains it is not the reason for it. The root cause is warming of the skin too quickly that causes Chilblains to form not the cold.
Pressure points on the feet such as bunion and calluses or where the toes are under pressure due to tight shoes, anywhere the blood circulation is restricted is at risk for Chilblains.
Damp living conditions may also be a contributor to Chilblains.
Who is at risk?
Mainly young adult women are at the greatest risk. The reasons are unknown but are to believe that due to hormonal changes is what puts them at a greater risk.
Obviously people who don't wear socks outside during the winter months are at risk. People who are not properly clothed for the weather conditions are also at risk for Chilblains.
The elderly or anyone with poor circulation is at risk. People who smoke because smoking slows the blood circulation and diabetics are also at risk.
Chilblains can occur in some people every year for the rest of their lives and in others it occurs only a few years and it never comes back. There is no known reason for this.
Prevention of Chilblains
Do not let the skin get cold, where thick wool socks that trap the air around the feet and naturally keep them warm. Wear rubber boots to keep your feet dry. Wrap a wool or tight knitted scarf around your face to keep out the moist cold air.
If your feet do get cold avoid using direct heat to warm them such as a fireplace, electric heating blanket, a hot bath or shower. This has been known to cause Chilblains.
Do not smoke. Smoking affects the circulation of small blood vessels that feed into the skin.
Exercise vigorously before going outside.
Soak your hands in warm water, warming them thoroughly, but be sure to dry them completely before going out.
Treatment for Chilblains
Chilblains does not respond well to treatment the most you can do is see your doctor and keep the infected area warm and if you smoke, stop, it will help to increase the blood flow to the infected area.
Topical steroid prescribed by your doctor to help stop the itching and swelling.Do not apply direct heat its best to warm slowly with blankets and warm clothing. Symptoms may clear with in 7-14 days.

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:

I developed some from sitting at a desk all day in a cold room.

Fur lined slippers were the answer !

<though not much good for running through cold streams>

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:
I started getting chilblains also a few months ago, but on my heels rather than my toes.

I run lots in the wet, but then I always have, for the last thirty years anyway. My feet are also cold. Maybe it is down to age after all!

I have found improvements in the last few weeks if I put Vaseline on my feet prior to a run, that is if I know I am going to get wet ( a dead cert now as there is so much snow around). Make sure you dry your feet after also, creams etc have little effect with me.

A greasy solution but my feet are now improving slowly and more importantly they are not sore anymore.

In reply to moonraker:

Blimey, some terrible grammar and spelling there. Is Hannah S moonlighting as a doctor??

In reply to Nick Smith - UKC:
Calcium with vitamin D supplements worked for all our family years ago never had them since.

In reply to Tim Chappell: think Gordon Brown rote it!!!