What is the best treatment for chilblains on the feet?

Chilblains are a very common problem of the feet in cooler climates. They are virtually unknown in warmer environments. They are a painful reaction of the circulation in the toes after the feet are cold and are warmed up too quickly. Due to this problem with the blood circulation not responding, there is an inflamation related reaction resulting in small red and itchy lesions on the toes. If the problem becomes more persistent the skin takes on a painful darker discolouration because waste products increase.

The best management of chilblains is preventing them. First of all, wear good hosiery and shoes so that the foot does not get too cool. In the event that the foot does become cold don't place it in from of the source of heat so that it warms up too rapidly. The feet need to be allowed to warm up gradually so the circulation has time to get used to the changes in temperature. Once a chilblains does develop it should be protected in order that it will heal up, especially if the skin is broken. Keep it covered to protect it from trauma from the footwear. Soothing chilblain creams may be used to stimulate the blood circulation and help get rid of the harmful toxins that have accumulated in the skin that are causing the inflammation and congestion. Care should also be taken to protect against more chilblains developing, so the approaches that should be used to prevent them must be used even more. You can easily get another one before the first one has healed up converting this into a chronic condition. If the local measures to take care of the problem do not help, there are some drugs a doctor can prescribe that can be used to open up the circulation. The drugs are not unique to the feet and work everywhere, so may be reserved for the more severe conditions. In the very worst cases, it is not uncommon that they can be given suggestion to move and live in warmer environments.