Chilblains are very painful and occur mainly during autumn and winter. It sometimes affects only part of the foot, but can also affect the entire foot.
Due to the cold and dryness, the skin becomes very painful, sometimes with reddish-blue or purple discolouration, sometimes with spots. Winter feet are caused by poor adaptation of the blood vessels to cold and humidity. The skin feels cold, yet one has the impression that the feet are glowing. Touching the feet is particularly painful and the transition from cold to warm temperatures is often accompanied by severe itching. If winter feet are not taken care of, cracks and blisters can appear, causing permanent scars.
Winter feet are very difficult to treat, so it is advisable to prevent them by ensuring optimal blood circulation. Since cold and humidity play a decisive role, one should try to eliminate these factors as much as possible. This can be done by wearing adapted shoes. Leather shoes with a rubber or leather sole offer the best protection, as leather is warm, absorbs foot moisture and can be made waterproof. Wearing shoes that are too narrow should be avoided, as this prevents smooth blood circulation. Wool socks stimulate blood circulation and are therefore preferable to synthetic socks.
If you suffer from winter feet, it is best to consult your doctor in time before complications arise. The doctor will decide on the most suitable medication: blood vessel dilating medication, itch and pain relieving medication, creams or ointments to reduce inflammation. Keeping the feet well hydrated and warm is the message.