Chilblains also known as “Shu” in Kashmiri are very common skin problem among people. It is also very common in Kashmir due to cold weather especially experienced in the forty days of Chilai kalan which starts from December 21 to January 31. People who are living in humid and cold climate know about Chilblains. Chilblains occur when your skin gets warm due to the exposure to the cold temperature.
Chilblains are an inflammation of the skin that is frequently accompanied by itching or burning. Also known as perniosis, they are caused as a reaction to exposure to cold and are most often found on the small toes, fingers, face or nose. They may also occur on areas that bear pressure, like a bunion. People who have poor circulation or a poor diet are at more risk for developing the condition.It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to heal.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a chilblain can include a redness or pallor of the affected areas, a numbness, and hot, tender, itchy skin and there may be ulcerated or bleeding lesions. The areas may appear blue as they get congested and swollen. When they dry out, they may leave cracks in the skin, leaving the body open to infection.
Causes
Chilblains are caused by excessive constriction of the blood vessels just beneath the skin and most frequently is caused by the cold. Damp living conditions, hormonal imbalance, a poor diet, being anemic or sudden immersion in very cold water or cold environments can also contribute to chilblains. Poor circulation is also a factor. If you are diabetic or suffer from other conditions that affect the circulation, use caution. Eating nutritious foods, exercising and wearing properly fitting shoes will help improve circulation to the affected areas. In cold weather, dress appropriately and don’t expose yourself to the elements any longer than necessary.
Cautions
Severe pain and cracking may require a visit to the doctor for relief and infection prevention. If infection has already set in, it should be seen by a professional.
Remedies to Heal and Prevent Chilblains
Chilblains are the result of exposure to cold. It creates red patches on your skin and sometimes it is painful. So you need to treat chilblains but how? Here are some remedies to heal and prevent chilblains which are listed below:
1.Exercise Regularly
Due to poor blood circulation, it may cause chilblains. Doing exercise is the best way to get rid of chilblains. So, exercise is helpful to increase blood circulation. Before starting any exercise, you need to warm up your body with foot exercises.
- Increase calcium in our diet.
Deficiency of calcium can increase the risk of chilblains. So intake calcium to prevent chilblains.
Steps to Use Calcium to Treat Chilblains Fast:
Have food which is rich in calcium like cheese, milk, soybeans, yogurt, broccoli, white beans, salmon, fortified orange juice, fortified cereals and others.
By consulting a doctor, you can take calcium supplements.
- Use Aloe Vera Gel to Get Rid of Chilblains.
Aloe Vera contains healing properties and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Steps to Use Aloe Vera to Heal and Prevent Chilblains:
Apply this gel on the infected area.
Massage with this gel to increase the blood circulation.
After some time wash it off with water. Follow this procedure 2 to 3 times daily.
- Warm water and salt to heal chilblains
This is one of the best home remedies to heal chilblains completely. It is an excellent choice to treat symptoms of chilblains such as redness and puffiness. All you need to do is heat a bowl of water and mix salt in it. Soak the affected areas of your skin in this water. Do this for the next few minutes to reduce the redness. Repeat this several times a day to heal chilblains completely.
- Onion to Heal and Prevent Chilblains
Onion has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. These properties can help to reduce pain, itching, inflammation and swelling and also reduce the effect of infection.
Steps to Use Onion to Treat Chilblains Fast:
Take an onion and cut it into thick slices.
With the help of slice of onion, rub it on your affected area. Leave it for fifteen minutes.
Then use a warm wash cloth to wipe it off.
Do this remedy for one to two weeks to heal and prevent chilblains.
- Combination of Glycerine, Honey, Egg and Flour
The combination of glycerine, honey, egg and flour is excellent for the fast recovery of chilblains. The paste prepared from these ingredients acts as insulation from cold. All you need to do is take a bowl and add one tablespoon each of glycerine, honey and egg. Crack one egg and whip it well. Mix all the ingredients together and stir well. Apply this paste on the affected regions of the skin. Leave it for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment on a regular basis to get rid of chilblains completely.
- Warm clothes to prevent Chilblains Fast
Wear warm clothes to keep your body warm. Wear scarf and hat to keep your head warm. By keeping yourself warm, you can reduce the symptoms of chilblains.
Other Useful Tips:
Stop smoking as nicotine restricts the blood vessels that can make chilblains worse.
Avoid wearing tight shoes and boots that can restrict the blood circulation to your feet and toes.
Moisturize your feet and hands regularly.
Have at least one hot meal during the day to keep your body warm.
Wear warm clothes such as long boots, leg warmers, long socks.
Keep yourself active to improve the blood circulation.
Keep your house heated.
To get essential, fatty acids include cold-water fish, and almonds. These foods help to get rid of chilblains.
You can place wool or cotton between the toes to improve the blood circulation.
Do not scratch your affected skin as scratching may damage your skin.
Avoid exposure to the sun, especially after exposure to the cold.
Dr Aabid Altaf Wani is an Alternative Medicine Specialist and can be mailed at draabidwani@gmail.com
