Chilblains are caused by sudden warming of the skin from extremely cold temperatures. The small blood vessels in the skin become inflamed and cause unbearable pain. This condition is also known as pernio. When the body is exposed to very cold and low temperatures, the blood vessels contract due to the chill. When the skin is re-warmed, the blood vessels expand quickly. The smaller blood vessels expand faster than the nearby larger blood vessels. This results in a temporary blockage of blood due to which the blood vessels swell and become inflamed.
The skin of the toes, fingers, nose and ears is generally affected. Small patches of skin on the hands and feet become red and itchy. The color changes from dark red to dark blue and there is a lot of pain. Blisters can also appear and cause a burning sensation. Sometimes small ulcers too can form on the skin. Though chilblains do not cause permanent injury, they can lead to infections which can be very damaging.
5 Natural Cures For Chilblains
Cayenne Pepper
Mix some pure ghee and a pinch of cayenne pepper to form a paste. Smear the paste on the chilblains and rub it gently on the affected area. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It will relieve the swelling and pain instantly.
Ghee has powerful healing and nourishing properties which will heal the red patches and soothe the itchy skin. Ghee will also provide extra strength to the blood vessels. Apply three times daily till your skin heals well. If your skin is broken or ulcerated then do not use cayenne pepper, just use plain warm ghee on the skin.
Mustard Oil
Chilblains are associated with poor blood circulation which can be made worse by weak blood vessels. Massage your hands and feet well with warm mustard oil for five to ten minutes. Mustard oil will strengthen the blood vessels and increase their elasticity.
It will also stimulate circulation and make the blood flow easily and smoothly. It will reduce the swelling and will subdue the pain instantly. Use the massage as frequently as possible.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has innumerable healing and curative powers. It main characteristics are pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Rub peppermint oil on all the affected areas three or four times daily. Peppermint oil will disperse the accumulated blood and will reduce the swelling easily. It will also provide relief in the burning and itching.
Ginger
Boil a glass of water and add one tablespoon of grated ginger to it. Simmer on a low heat for two or three minutes then turn off the gas. After five minutes, strain the tea. Drink this tea three or four times daily. Also rub ginger juice on the affected areas three or four times daily.
Coconut Oil
Warm some coconut oil and dissolve a piece of camphor into it. Massage all the affected areas with this oil for five to ten minutes, three times daily. Coconut oil will ease the itching and burning and heal the blisters quickly. Camphor which is easily absorbed by the skin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It will stimulate circulation and will bring respite from the pain.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.