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CHILBLAINS
§ Chilblains are small, itchy, red swellings on the skin. They can be painful too! They often swell, dry out then crack, this can allow infection in. Many people suffer from them in the winter months, it usually means the circulation is less efficient in that area.
Where do they occur ?
§ Toes, lobes of ears, tip of nose, fingers. In the feet they can also occur where there is localised pressure from footwear, or where another toe presses upon another.
Why do they occur ?
§ The skin is having an abnormal reaction to cold. The area becomes chilled, the circulation reduces, then when the area is warmed the small arteries fail to open properly causing chilblains. § People who work out doors can be very susceptible as can young adults especially women. Those that don't wear socks or tights also. As the cold weather comes in, burning and itching can occur in the toes, when in a warm room this gets worse.
What can I do to help ?
Keep your feet and legs warm, wool is good for socks and tights in the winter. Try to keep the whole leg warm too. If you go out in the cold make sure the soles of your shoes are thick for good insulation and use a thermal break like 3mm PPT shock absorbing insoles (see ‘Insoles’ in the Catalogue) Don't scratch chilblains, use Balmosa (see ‘Skin Care’ in the Catalogue) Toes rubbing against one another use the protective silicone gel pads in the ‘Toe Problems’ section of the Catalogue.
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