Chilblains

Overview

Chilblains are small, itchy, red or purple bumps that appear on your skin when it gets cold but not freezing. They most often happen on fingers, toes, ears, and nose. They are not serious but can be uncomfortable.

Chilblains are fairly common, especially in cold, damp climates. They affect about 1 in 10 people in the UK during winter.

Anyone can get chilblains, but they are more common in women, people who smoke, those with poor circulation, and people who are not used to cold weather.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, red or purple itchy bumps on fingers, toes, ears, or nose
• Swelling and tenderness in the affected area
• A burning or aching sensation
• Skin that feels hot to the touch

Symptoms in children

• Children may have the same bumps but often complain of pain or discomfort rather than itching
• They may find it hard to wear shoes or gloves because of swelling

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have more severe symptoms because their skin is thinner and more fragile
• The bumps may take longer to heal and are more likely to break open

Causes

Main causes

• Exposure to cold, damp weather – the tiny blood vessels in your skin narrow to keep warm, then when you warm up too quickly, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing bumps.

Risk factors

• Being a woman
• Smoking
• Having poor circulation or conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon
• Low body weight
• Having a family history of chilblains
• Living in a cold, damp climate

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If the skin breaks and you notice signs of infection (redness spreading, pus, fever)
• If you have severe pain that home care does not help

Book a routine appointment if:

• If chilblains keep coming back or do not heal after 3 weeks
• If you have other symptoms like numbness, color changes in your fingers or toes, or you think you might have an underlying condition such as Raynaud's or lupus

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose chilblains just by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms and recent cold exposure.

Tests that may be done

• Rarely, blood tests may be done to check for underlying conditions like autoimmune diseases or circulation problems.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will examine the affected areas and ask about your health history. No special preparation is needed.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and helping the skin heal. Most chilblains go away on their own, but you can speed up recovery with simple home measures.

Self-care at home

• Warm the affected areas gradually – avoid direct heat like radiators or hot water bottles.
• Keep your skin dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to protect it.
• Do not scratch – this can cause sores and infection.
• If the area is itchy, you can try cool compresses or calamine lotion.

Medical treatments

A doctor may recommend a cream to help improve blood flow or reduce inflammation. In some cases, they might prescribe a medication that relaxes blood vessels. Always follow your doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used for chilblains.

Living with this condition

During cold weather, keep your hands and feet warm with gloves and thick socks. Avoid sudden temperature changes – for example, don't put cold hands directly on a heater.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active to improve circulation – gentle exercise like walking helps.
• If you smoke, consider quitting – smoking narrows blood vessels.
• Avoid alcohol in large amounts as it can make you lose body heat.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet supports overall health. Regular exercise, even a short daily walk, can improve blood flow to your fingers and toes.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chilblains can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but they are temporary. If they keep coming back, it might worry you – talk to your doctor for reassurance.

Prevention

Yes, you can often prevent chilblains by keeping your body warm in cold weather, especially your hands and feet. Wear several layers of clothing and avoid getting your skin damp.

Complications

If left untreated

• If you scratch the bumps, the skin can break open and become infected.
• In rare cases, severe or repeated chilblains can lead to skin ulcers (open sores).

Long-term outlook

Chilblains almost always get better on their own within a few weeks. With simple preventive measures, you can reduce how often they happen. They do not cause permanent damage to your skin.

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