About Chilblains

Inflammation of skin accompanied by itching and burning is known as chilblains. It is also called perniosis. When the skin is exposed to cold temperatures, blood vessels become constricted. When warmed up quickly, the blood vessels do not expand quickly and thus there is blood leakage in tissues which leads to chilblains.

It normally occurs on the toes and fingers. However the fingers, nose and face can also be affected by chilblains. A bunion, the painful bump on the joint of the big toe, can also be affected. Chilblains normally appear as red and swollen lesions. When these lesions become dry, the skin will become cracked, leaving the area exposed to infections.

Symptoms of Chilblains

The following are the symptoms of chilblains.

• Red swellings on the skin of the extremities
• Itchiness
• Painful patches
• Burning sensations on the skin patches
• Skin cracks
• Inflammation in nose, earlobes and toes

Factors Which Leads to Chilblains

The following are the factors which cause chilblains.

• Abnormal temperatures
• Inadequate diet
• Allergic responses to temperature changes
• Hormonal changes
• Anemia
• Some bone marrow disorders
• Connective tissue disorder

1. Home Remedies
2. Other Remedies
3. Diet
4. Other Precautions

Home Remedies for Chilblains

Onions as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Onion is known for its curative nature. Essential oils and organic sulphides play a vital role when onions are used as natural remedies for various diseases. Onion will liquefy the phlegm and moisten mucous membranes, preventing the recurrence of chilblains. It is widely used to control fever, flu, and colds. Nutrients such as carotenes, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine are major ingredients of onions.

Use of Onions as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Squeeze or grind onions to separate out the juice. Apply this juice on the area affected by chilblains. It is one of the perfect natural remedies for curing chilblains.

Turnips as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Turnips are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. It is a kind of insoluble fiber. Being rich in flavonoids, turnips strengthen the capillaries and support their activities. Due to its low calorie value, onion keeps the body fit and healthy. It is a wonderful aid for rheumatism and arthritis. The lutein in onion helps to eliminate heart disorders and cardiovascular problems.

Use of Turnips as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Apply the juice of turnips over the toes and legs as well as other affected areas to get rid of chilblains.

Garlic as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Garlic is an excellent diuretic, antiseptic and analgesic as well as being antimicrobial making it one of the best natural remedies for chil blains. It soothes the digestive tract. It also acts to alleviate skin ailments like various allergies and insect bites. It can effectively control blood cholesterol levels. By reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol, garlic prevents heart disorders.

Use of Garlic as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Add garlic cloves to a tablespoon of mustard or sesame oil. Warm the mixture and set it aside. Filter the oil and apply it to the chilblains to eliminate them.

Oatmeal as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Oatmeal is well known for its fiber content and is used as a natural remedy for various health ailments. It effectively controls blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. It also calms nervous tensions, depression and anxiety. It enhances the hormonal balance. It also cures skin ailments like cold sores, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. It controls thyroid problems. It also slows the progression of degenerative diseases and strengthens the immune system.

Use of Oatmeal as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Mix oatmeal powder with egg white. Apply this to the area affected by chilblains. Let it dry and wash it off using warm water.

Lemon as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Lemon is widely used as a home remedy for reducing swelling of the spleen. It is not only rich in vitamin C but is widely used against bacteria and germs. It controls bleeding and heals wounds effectively. It is an excellent purifier and nourisher. It also controls blood cholesterol and aids in reducing obesity. Limonin and limonene, the compounds in lemon, prevent cell division, thus controlling tumors and cancer.

Use of Lemon as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Lemon halves can be capped on affected toes and fingers. Its antimicrobial properties will remove the infection-causing microbes from the chilblains and heal it quickly.

Marigold as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Marigold is available in the form of extracts and infusions. It is a remarkable natural remedy for healing wounds and reducing nervous tension. Resins, carotene, flavonoids and volatile oils are the major constituents of marigold. When the resin of marigold in combination with other substances is used, it serves as an anti-inflammatory. Marigold also controls blood clots and blood seepage in capillaries. Being antiseptic and antimicrobial, marigold effectively controls sore throat, sunburns, skin ailments and insect bites.

Use of Marigold as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Mix equal portions of marigold infusion and sea salt. Soak toes or fingers affected by chilblain in the solution for a while and then wash it off.

Broken Wheat as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Wheat, when milled coarsely and then cleaned well, is called “broken wheat”. Since this form of wheat is not refined, broken wheat serves as a natural remedy because it possesses valuable nutrients. Due to its high fiber content, broken wheat effectively controls blood sugar levels and thus aids diabetic patients. It is rich in thiamine, a kind of vitamin B, and so it strengthens the nervous system. It also increases the hemoglobin content in the blood and improves the eyesight.

Use of Broken Wheat as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Make a porridge using broken wheat. Coat the affected areas with the porridge. Let it dry. Once dried, wash it off with warm water. This treatment will effectively heal chilblains.

Potato as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Potato can be used topically for its anti-inflammatory properties very effectively. Potatoes are used widely as home remedies for its emollient properties. Its juice extracts are rich in antacid properties and can be used topically for stomach aches. A poultice made of raw potatoes can be used for hematomas. It effectively cures sunburn, frostbite and black eyes. It also calms down the inflammation and pain caused by rheumatism.

Use of Potato as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Cut the potato and sprinkle salt over it. Rub the toes and fingers affected by Chilblains using the salted potato. It will soothe the itching and redness caused by chilblains.

Black Peppercorn as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: In ancient times, black peppercorns were used as home remedies for its anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent and carminative properties. The active ingredients such as piperine, amine alkaloid and monoterpenes increase gastrointestinal activities and keep the digestive system healthy. Because it is enriched with potassium, it stabilizes the heart rate effectively. Its iron content assists in cellular respiration and blood cell production.

Use of Black Peppercorn as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Mix the ground black peppercorns with 2 tablespoons of sesame or mustard oil. Heat it slightly. After decanting it, apply it to the affected area and massage gently.

Rosemary Oil as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Rosemary oil is a widely used natural remedy in the medicinal field, especially in aromatherapy. It is an excellent analgesic and hence aids in the treatment of the flu and colds. It is antioxidant and antiseptic in nature. It thus serves as a cure for tumors and skin allergies such as rashes and infections. It is an effective antibiotic in nature. The oil extracted from rosemary is widely used for healing the pain and swelling caused by arthritis and muscle pain. It enhances blood circulation when massaged into the skin.

Use of Rosemary Oil as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Massage the areas affected by chilblains with rosemary oil. Wash with warm water. This will effectively heal the chilblains.

Lavender Oil as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Lavender oil has many health benefits. It is also termed as a “Universal Oil”. It balances the body whenever the need arises. Being antiseptic and antimicrobial, lavender oil is widely used for curing all kind of skin ailments such as candida infections, boils, burns, allergies, bruises and acne. It is also a wonderful cure for both insect and poisonous bites. It is a well-known natural remedy for reducing joint pain and improving blood circulation. It aids in controlling heart palpitations. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and thereby reduces the swelling and pain.

Use of Lavender Oil as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Rub the areas affected by chilblains with a few drops of lavender oil. Or add a few drops of this oil to warm water and soak the toes and legs for a while in the water. This will eliminate the chilblains.

Nettle Juice as a Natural Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Nettles are popular for being one of the natural remedies for nourishing and stimulating the immune system of the human body. It strengthens the intestines and act as a cure for diarrhea. As it is an astonishing diuretic, nettle aids in eliminating kidney weakness and urinary tract infections (UTI’s). It also strengthens the heart by enhancing blood circulation. Due to its antiseptic and antifungal properties it can be used topically to aid in the treatment of skin allergies, rashes, thrush and eczema. It plays a vital role in healing arthritis and joint pain.

Use of Nettle Juice as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Being enriched with flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, it is possible to make a fresh juice with nettle leaves and mix it with any other fruit juices. Drinking this juice mixture twice daily will help to get rid of chilblains.

Peppermint Oil as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Peppermint oil is a well-known home remedy for soothing the digestive system and intestines. This oil possesses a sharp, fresh menthol fragrance. It is highly cooling in nature. In aromatherapy, it serves as a cure by increasing mental stability and sharpening focus. Its antimicrobial and antiseptic nature makes it a cure for skin irritations and itchiness. It also serves as an effective cure for migraines, sinus, chest congestion and headaches. Being an analgesic, it aids in treating the flu and colds. Peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritating when used in diluted form. It should not be used by pregnant women and children. It is advisable to keep this oil away from the eye as it may cause irritation.

Use of Peppermint Oil as a Treatment for Chilblains:

One can add a few drops of peppermint oil to a tub of warm water. Immerse the toes and legs in the tub for a while. The antiseptic and antimicrobial nature of peppermint will effectively cure the chilblains.

Myrrh as a Home Remedy for Chilblains

Properties: Myrrh is well known for its therapeutic properties. The oil extracted from the Commiphora Myrrha is one of the widely used home remedies for curing various health disorders. Myrrh oil is called “magical oil” in aromatherapy as it cures skin ailments, detoxifies the entire human body and removes mucous and phlegm. This warm, musty smelling oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, antimicrobial and antiseptic as well as a stomach tonic and an expectorant. It soothes the digestive system and acts as a cure for esophageal disorders. It also cures uterine infections.

Use of Myrrh as a Treatment for Chilblains:

Apply a few drops of myrrh oil to the areas affected by chilblains and gently rub it over the chilblains. Leave it on for a while and then wash it off with warm water. Its antiseptic nature will effectively heal the chilblains.

Other Home Remedies for Chilblains

Apply a mixture made up of egg whites and honey over the affected area to eliminate the chilblains.

Grind 3 parts of prickly ash bark, 3 parts of hawthorn berries and 1 part of ginger into powder. Mix this powder in a cup of water. Boil it and set it aside. Filter and drink the water to treat chilblains.

Diet for Chilblains

A diet for chilblains should be rich in vitamin A and vitamin C.

Spinach and millets which are rich in silicon and calcium are a must in the diet for treating chilblains.

Including blue fish in the diet for curing chilblains is strongly recommended.

Use of butter in the diet for healing chilblains is also advisable.

Egg yolk must be included in the diet for curing this disorder.

Almonds and sesame must be included in the diet for curing this disorder.

Foods enriched with vitamins E and K are a must in the diet for eliminating chilblains.

Other Precautions Against Chilblains

It is advisable to keep the extremities of the body warm.

Increase the blood circulation in the toes and legs with mild massages.

Wear warm clothes when temperatures are low.

Warm woolen socks will help to prevent chilblains from occurring in the toes.

Regular exercise will enhance blood circulation in areas affected by chilblains.

Smoking aggravates chilblains, so it is best to stop smoking.