Chilblain Alert!

It’s chilblain time! The cold, damp winter weather brings colds and sniffles for your nose, but also causes swollen, red, painful and itchy toes.

Chilblains are caused by changes in the small blood vessels of the skin especially on the tips of your fingers and toes. They can be very uncomfortable, causing extreme itching or burning that is difficult to relieve. Rarely, chilblains can develop into open wounds.

Nicotine, hormones and some hereditary factors make young or menopausal women and smokers vulnerable to chilblains.  If you have had chilblains in recent winters you need to take extra precautions this time of year to avoid a recurrence.

Here’s what you need to do…

• Stop smoking!
• Don’t toast your toes near a heater or fire. Wear warm socks or slippers instead.
• Maintain the condition of your skin and moisturise your feet.
• When outdoors, keep well wrapped up with long pants, thick socks, lambs wool shoe liners and a roomy, comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Remember… toast crumpets this winter NOT your toes!