The Frieiras

Commonly known as chilblains, it is a skin inflammation triggered by exposure to cold and which affects, above all, the extremities of the body, such as the fingers and/or toes, nose and ears, and may appear in other locations.

Chilblains can be characterized as acute, when they last between 12 and 24 hours, chronic if they persist for longer, these being those that are usually associated with prolonged exposure to colder temperatures.

Main Symptoms

Chilblains have very characteristic and unpleasant symptoms, such as:

• Cold and red skin
• Numb, hard, white or pale skin (sometimes bluish or purple)
• Bubbles
• Swelling (may appear when warming hands)
• Pruritus (itching),
• Pain
• Cracks

Risk factors

Some circumstances contribute to the appearance of chilblains, such as:

• Living in a place with a cold, dry and windy climate
• Wash your hands often with cold water, for example when carrying out household chores
• Having a profession that requires you to keep your hands in water for a long time or handle ice or frozen products
• Being subjected to sharp temperature differences in a short period of time
• Smoking and/or drinking alcohol
• Diseases that make it difficult to perceive skin temperature or that interfere with the response to cold, such as diabetes

Prevention Techniques

If you suffer from chilblains, know that there are several simple precautions you can implement in your daily life to alleviate the pain and help with your treatment, such as:

• Keep your skin hydrated. Moisturizing lotions can help relieve itching;
• Avoid exposure to cold and other external aggressions, such as frequently washing your hands in cold water or using detergents;
• Keep the affected skin dry and warm (use woolen clothing and massage the affected area with gentle movements without rubbing);
• Avoid direct contact with heat sources (do not be tempted, even if it is very cold, to try to warm your hands by the fireplace or near a heater);
• Avoid smoking or drinking coffee, as these contribute to constricting blood vessels, which could worsen the problem.

Chilblains Treatment

You should consult a doctor or podiatrist, or make an appointment at your Pharmacy if they have one available, in the event of injuries appearing on the feet, in the following situations:

• If your skin starts to look white or pale and blister
• If you experience mobility difficulties or severe pain in the affected area
• If symptoms (e.g. redness, pain) worsen or new symptoms appear
• If you have a fever