As the cold temperature sets in, chilblains is a common symptom of the skin that affects people with poor circulation and exposure to cold temperature. It often affects people that are sedentary for a long period of time, usually occurs in women and children and, those with poor circulation to the hands and feet. Chilblains is an inflammatory skin lesions that will disappear when the weather warms up but may occur the following winter again.
Common places are finger and toes but can also occur on the face and ears. It looks swollen, feels cold to touch and, the skin changes to white as you put pressure on it. Once the pressure is released, the skin will resume to pink-purple-brownish to deep violet purples patches. Chilblains can be itchy and slightly painful caused by the inflammation and swelling and, it may cause blisters which can rupture and ulcerate in severe cases.
The good news is, chilblains can be treated with good outcomes with acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine. Chilblains is often not limiting and can be resolved quite quickly within three to six weeks of treatments. My advice for those that suffers from chilblains is to keep yourself as warm as possible with good socks, coat, hat and gloves when you are out and about. Try to keep your feet warm and invest in good quality woolen socks (double socks if you must). In addition, if you have a weak constitution and suffers from chronic illnesses, consume diet rich in proteins (a nice slow cooked beef and lamb stew is perfect for winter conditions) and always consume your food warm. Avoid any cold foods (smoothies, cold salads, raw foods) and beverages. On top of that, continue to move and exercise to circulate the blood flow to limbs.
If you find that you need some help in managing your chilblains and are struggling to keep it at bay, please BOOK ONLINE for a consultation today.