Chilblains
You may recognise this: as soon as it gets colder, your toes turn red, purple or become swollen. The skin may itch, feel a burning sensation or be painful. Sometimes small cracks appear, making walking or wearing shoes uncomfortable.
Many people find that their symptoms return in autumn and winter. Cold feet in particular, or a sudden change from cold to warm, can make the symptoms worse. It can be troublesome if your feet remain cold all the time or are sensitive to the weather.
What is it?
Chilblains are a reaction of the skin and blood vessels to the cold. The cold causes the blood vessels in the toes to narrow. When the feet then warm up again, the blood vessels quickly widen once more.
These rapid changes can cause red or purple patches to appear. The skin may become sensitive, swollen or painful.
Causes
Chilblains occur because the blood vessels in the toes react strongly to the cold. Significant fluctuations between cold and warm temperatures can cause symptoms in particular.
Other factors can also contribute to the development of chilblains, such as:
- exposure to the cold;
- damp or cold feet;
- rapid transition from cold to warm;
- reduced blood flow;
- shoes that do not keep the feet warm enough.
What do you notice?
If you have chilblains, you may notice that:
- the toes turn red or purple;
- your skin feels itchy or burning;
- the toes are swollen;
- if the skin is sensitive or painful;
- small wounds or cracks may develop.
The impact of a healthy lifestyle and your mental health
A healthy lifestyle helps the body to maintain good blood circulation. Regular exercise helps to keep the feet warm and supports blood circulation.
When symptoms persist for a long time, this can be troublesome when walking or being outdoors in cold weather. Our lifestyle coaches can help with healthy habits that contribute to good blood circulation and recovery.
What can you do yourself?
There is a lot you can do yourself to alleviate chilblains and prevent new symptoms from developing.
To reduce symptoms, you can:
- wear warm socks;
- wear shoes that keep the feet nice and warm;
- keep your feet properly dry;
- avoid large temperature differences;
- exercise regularly to stimulate blood circulation;
- to use a bit of fluff between your toes.
Advice and treatment
Our pedicures can assess whether someone is suffering from chilblains. They also provide advice on skin care and keeping the feet warm.
Treatment may consist of:
- advice on skincare;
- advice on shoes and socks;
- protection for sensitive skin;
- advice on improving blood circulation;
- support to alleviate symptoms.
Are the symptoms recurring, or are sores developing? If so, our podiatrists working with you to look at possible causes and suitable solutions.
Rondom Shoes
Good shoes can prevent many ailments. In the case of Rondom Shoes We’ll help you choose shoes that suit your feet and your everyday life. This will help you reduce any discomfort and prevent new problems as far as possible.
At Rondom Schoenen, we use our knowledge and experience to put together a suitable collection of shoes. In doing so, we take into account different foot shapes, needs and styles. We ensure there is a wide choice of good-quality shoes, across various price ranges.
Rondom Schoenen also has a knowledge base! Here you will find tips and information to help you choose the right shoes.
Work on your health with the Rondom app
- Direct contact with healthcare professionals via chat
- A community where you share experiences and motivate one another
- Personal challenges that match your goals
- Step counter for your daily exercise
- Earn points for healthy choices
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