Chilblains are what is called a vasospastic condition of the toes, although they may now and again affect other parts of the body. Vasospastic implies that there is a spasm of the small muscles that surround the small blood vessels. They occur if the foot becomes cold and the smaller blood vessels close to preserve heat, which is quite normal. When the toes gets warm, these blood vessels normally open up. In a chilblain due to the vasospasm these small blood vessels remain closed for longer. On account of this, metabolites as well as waste material accumulate within the skin triggering an inflammatory reaction which is the chilblain. The arteries subsequently abruptly open producing additional inflammation and injury. At this time they are red and are frequently itchy. At a later date as waste products build up and they become more long-term, they take on a dark blue appearance. Whilst the pathology through which they occur is known, exactly what leads to the chilblain is uncertain. Chilblains are definitely more frequent in females implying there may very well be hormone impacts on how the arteries reacts to variations in the temperatures.

The most beneficial remedy for chilblains is to not have them in the first place. Prevention is better done by not letting your toes to get cold. Keep them in effective socks and shoes and avoid heading out in the cold when possible. In the event the feet can get cold, then it's critical that the feet be allowed to warm up slowly and gradually in order for the blood flow to properly get accustomed to the changes in temperature. One of the most detrimental things to do following the feet are cold could be to place the feet promptly in front of a source of heat. Another technique to avoid chilblains, primarily if the person who typically gets chilblains severely, is by using medication which help keep the blood vessels open. Although this can seem to work quite well, this will include side affects because it has an effect on all arteries, not only those in the feet.

After a chilblain should happen, then your toes have to be protected against additional harm and deteriorating into an open wound. The precautions already mentioned to avoid them still ought to be completed or the chilblain will become a persistent problem. There are various creams that can be used to be rubbed in to help stimulate the circulation and encourage healing. There is certainly some controversy around just which may be the most reliable treatments to use, as there is not a lot of data encouraging the use of one over another. Despite chilblains being a relatively prevalent problem, it is intriguing just how little research has been done on it.