Chilblains: symptoms, treatment and how to prevent them

The NHS says chilblains usually go away on their own in 2 to 3 weeks and that there are things you can try that may help and stop them coming back: avoid being outside when it is cold or damp, and if you do go out wear warm, waterproof clothing, gloves and thick socks, and dry and slowly warm your skin if you have been exposed to cold.

It says not to put your feet or hands on a radiator or under hot water to warm them up, not to smoke, have drinks that contain caffeine or take medicine for a blocked nose (decongestants), because these can affect the flow of blood in your fingers and toes, and not to scratch or pick at your skin. A pharmacist can recommend a lotion that may help soothe itching.

NHS inform says a soothing lotion such as calamine or witch hazel can help relieve itching. If chilblains are severe and keep returning, a GP may prescribe a medicine called nifedipine, a daily tablet or capsule that relaxes the blood vessels and improves circulation, which can help existing chilblains heal or stop them developing.

The NHS describes chilblains as small, itchy patches that can appear on the skin after you have been in the cold. NHS inform describes small, itchy swellings that can be uncomfortable but usually get better on their own within a few weeks.

They most often affect the body's extremities, such as the toes, fingers, heels, ears and nose, according to NHS inform.

The NHS says chilblains usually appear a few hours after you have been in the cold, mostly on the fingers and toes but also the face and legs. Your skin can feel itchy or like it is burning, and your fingers or toes may become red or purple. Redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

NHS inform adds that the burning or itching can get worse if you go into a warm room, the skin may swell and turn red or dark blue, and in severe cases the surface of the skin breaks and sores or blisters develop. It warns not to scratch because the skin can break easily and become infected.

The NHS says the cold makes the blood vessels in your fingers and toes get smaller, which stops blood moving around as easily. Chilblains happen when the blood vessels deep in your skin stay small, but the vessels closer to the surface get bigger as you warm up. This causes pain or itching and changes in skin colour.

NHS inform says chilblains are caused by an abnormal reaction to the cold, and that heating the skin too quickly, for example putting your feet in hot water or near a heater, is one of the main causes. It lists as being more at risk people with poor circulation, a family history of chilblains, regular exposure to cold, damp or draughty conditions, a poor diet or low body weight, lupus or Raynaud's phenomenon, and smokers, because nicotine constricts blood vessels. Pressure from tight shoes or a bunion can also trigger them.

The NHS says chilblains usually go away on their own in 2 to 3 weeks, and to see a GP if your skin is not getting better after 2 to 3 weeks. NHS inform says they normally get better on their own within a few weeks, though some people develop chilblains that last for several months every winter.

NHS inform says that if you are more at risk, you can help prevent chilblains by staying out of the cold where possible, looking after your feet and improving circulation. Warm cold skin up gradually, stop smoking, keep active, wear warm clothes that insulate your hands, feet and legs, avoid tight shoes, moisturise your feet regularly, eat at least one hot meal during the day and keep at least one room in the house warm.

It suggests warming your hands before going outdoors and wearing cotton-lined waterproof gloves if necessary, and, if you are diabetic, regularly checking your feet.

The NHS and NHS inform pages do not set out separate advice for children. The general advice applies: keep hands and feet warm and dry, warm cold skin slowly, and do not let a child scratch or pick at the skin. Contact your GP practice if the skin has not improved after 2 to 3 weeks, there is pus, or the child seems unwell with a high temperature.

The NHS says a GP will check your symptoms to see if you have chilblains. They may need to refer you for tests with a specialist if they are not sure why you are getting chilblains. Sometimes a GP may prescribe a medicine that helps to widen your blood vessels, which can help chilblains.

The NHS says to see a GP if your skin is not getting better after 2 to 3 weeks, there is pus coming out of your skin, your temperature is very high or you feel hot, cold or shivery, you keep getting chilblains, or you have diabetes, because foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes.

NHS inform adds that you should contact your GP practice if your chilblains are severe.

Most people manage chilblains with self-care and advice from a pharmacist. A GP can assess persistent or recurrent chilblains, prescribe nifedipine if appropriate and refer you to a specialist if the cause is unclear.

Some people choose to see a private dermatologist or vascular specialist if chilblains keep recurring. Ask whether an underlying condition such as Raynaud's phenomenon or lupus has been considered.