Chilblains (cold feet)
If you look around this site you will find a variety of information on all topics treated here at NEF&AS. If there is somethinng you cannot find or would like to know more about that is not on our site feel free to email Dr. Bregman directly using footguru@comcast.net.
To the right is the Patient Library which has a lot of topics which you can browse through. On the home page some of the more common and newer procedures are discussed or video footage is available. We also welcome any comments on how to improve our website or to tell us what you like about it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Peter Bregman
If you're looking for more information on our product line from Dynasplint Systems, Inc., check out their patient information page
Chilblains are caused by the skin's abnormal reaction to cold. Circulation is a determining factor for chilblains; people with poor circulation in the feet are more susceptible.
Chilblains are characterized by small itchy, red swellings on the skin, which become increasingly painful, swell, and dry out, leaving cracks in the skin and exposing the foot to the risk of infection. They occur on the extremities—the toes (particularly the smaller ones), fingers, the face (especially the nose), and the ear lobes. They can also occur on areas of the feet exposed to pressure, such as on a bunion or where the second toe is squeezed by tight shoes. Symptoms include burning and itching, swelling or redness, breaks in the skin, and ulcers.
Treatment includes keeping the body, legs, and feet warm, especially for individuals who have poor circulation and/or limited mobility.
Calamine lotion will take away most of the skin discomfort. If chilblains become ulcerated, application of an antiseptic dressing is the recommended form of treatment.
