Chilblains anyone?

doodoot

Hi guys...am in dire need of advice and sympathetic murmurings.

I've started with chilblains and they are driving me to hell and back.

The symptoms only started 5 weeks ago on one toe, and now it's spread to all of them.

This is the first time that I've ever had them, but I suppose it's my own fault for never wearing socks and for walking around barefoot even outside.

Has anyone got any tried and tested remedies for when the itching and pain starts?

I've been wearing socks since they first started, but am getting symptoms at least twice a week which leave me unable to walk because of the pain.

Thanks in advance.

daska

They're usually expected to clear up in a week or two, if they're not then there is nothing officially recommended other than keeping your feet warm. More importantly, if you're feet do get cold then don't allow them to warm up too quickly - it's the speed of warming that causes the problem, not the cold. Have you tried thermal or heated socks?

Anecdotally I can suggest a circulation booster. Because I'm quite sedentary due to disability my circulation is bad and my feet get cold very easily and quickly - since getting the booster I've not suffered anywhere near as many bouts. Which suggests that a good rub to get the circulation going might be (unpleasant but) effective?

peachyprice

I used to get them in winter when I was a child, pee was the suggested remedy

elsien

Check how well your shoes are fitting at the moment as well.
I find that when my chilblains start, some of my shoes make them worse as they don't "give" as much round the toes, which restricts the circulation, which causes more chilblains - a bit of a vicious circle. So slippers instead of shoes as much as possible helps them go quicker - when I say slippers I don't necessarily mean proper slippers which I can't stand - I wear clogs or sandals which gives wiggle room round the toes, and helps to give insulation from the cold floor. For me, just wearing socks isn't enough to keep my feet warm enough to keep the chilblains away. Plus I have a job where I can slip my shoes off and trundle around in clogs instead. Shoes all day is guaranteed to cause chilblains for me.
The itching can also start when your feet get too hot - when I get into bed seems to be the worst time, so sticking my toes out of the bottom of the bed to cool them down seems to help.
TBH I've not found a cream that makes that much odds, for me it's about trying to get the circulation back to normal as soon as I notice them starting, prevention being better than cure.

anniewoo

I have had chilblains on and off since I was a child.I always have cold hands and feet,a circulation problem I guess,but this winter I have been lucky regarding chilblains.Last winter I had them on my feet and my fingers for what seemed like weeks,ouch.I have tried a chilblain cream which I bought in Boots,but it didn't make any difference at all unfortunately.

I think it is just a matter of keeping your hands and feet warm and praying for warmer weather to arrive.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Have you seen a doctor?

The thing is, yes, it could be chilblains - but you've never had them before and other things affect the circulation as well, such as diabetes or Raynaud's.

doodoot

Thanks guys.

I have noticed that they rear up after wearing a pair of heels, so I've been taking them off as soon as I get in the house and have had to abandon wearing my fave pair altogether. :mad:

Yes JoJo my SIL is a GP and gave me a diagnosis a couple of weeks ago and told me to keep them warm.

That's all well and good, but I HATE socks with a passion!

I can almost cope with hobbling around, but it's the intense itching that is proving to be a trial...I was crying with frustration the other night because of it.

daska

Do you hate socks more than chillblains?