Chilblains and cold-related skin problems explained

What chilblains are and why they happen

Chilblains are small, swollen, itchy or painful patches that appear on the skin a few hours after being in the cold, usually on the toes, fingers, ears or nose. They happen because the tiny blood vessels near the skin overreact to cold and then to warming up. When cold, these vessels narrow; when you warm up quickly, they widen again, and fluid can leak into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling and irritation. This is why warming cold hands or feet too fast — for instance on a hot radiator — can trigger them. Chilblains are more common in damp, chilly weather rather than freezing conditions, and some people are simply more prone to them than others.

Recognising chilblains

Chilblains usually show up as small red, purple or darker patches, often in clusters, on exposed or poorly insulated areas like the toes and fingers. They can be itchy, sore, or give a burning feeling, and the skin may swell. As they heal over one to three weeks, the colour often fades and the skin can become dry. Occasionally the skin blisters or breaks, which can let infection in. Chilblains tend to appear during cold, damp weather and settle when it warms up. People with poor circulation, those who smoke, and people who are underweight or have certain health conditions can be more affected. Most chilblains clear on their own, but knowing what they look like helps you treat and prevent them.

Soothing chilblains at home

Most chilblains get better by themselves, and simple steps ease the discomfort. Keep the affected area warm, but warm up gradually rather than suddenly — avoid putting cold feet straight onto a hot water bottle, radiator or fire, as fast warming makes chilblains worse. Do not scratch, as this can break the skin and lead to infection; keeping nails short helps. A gentle, unperfumed moisturiser can soothe dry or itchy skin. Stopping smoking helps because smoking narrows blood vessels and slows healing. Staying active gently boosts circulation. If itching is troublesome, a pharmacist can suggest suitable soothing creams. Avoid rubbing or massaging vigorously. With warmth, patience and gentle care, most chilblains fade within a couple of weeks without any further treatment.

Preventing chilblains and cold skin damage

Prevention is largely about keeping warm and dry and protecting circulation. Dress in warm layers, and wear gloves, thick socks, warm footwear and a hat in cold weather, keeping hands, feet, ears and nose covered. Keep your home comfortably warm where you can. If you come in from the cold, warm up slowly rather than rushing to a heat source. Keep moving to help blood flow, and try not to sit still for long periods in the cold. Not smoking protects your circulation. Keeping skin moisturised helps prevent dryness and cracking. People who get chilblains most winters find that consistent warmth and good footwear make the biggest difference, reducing how often the patches appear.

When to see a health professional

Most chilblains need no medical care, but see a pharmacist or GP if they are very painful, keep coming back, do not heal within a few weeks, or if the skin breaks, blisters, weeps or shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus or feeling unwell. People with diabetes should be especially careful with any foot problem and seek advice, as they are at higher risk of complications. Chilblains that appear without cold exposure, or that are severe or unusual, may need investigation for an underlying cause. In extreme cold, more serious injury such as frostbite — where the skin turns white or waxy, hard and numb — is a medical emergency needing urgent care.