How to treat chilblains on hands

Sep 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wan

Introduction

Medications for treating chilblains on the hands include both topical and oral options. Generally, topical treatments may include chilblain ointment, vitamin E ointment, heparin sodium ointment, and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream, all of which have antioxidant effects and promote blood circulation. Additionally, oral medications such as nicotinic acid and dipyridamole can be used; both of these drugs have vasodilatory effects.

Many people need to work outdoors for extended periods, and during winter they may develop chilblains. In severe cases, itching can occur. How should chilblains on the hands be treated?

How to Treat Chilblains on the Hands

Medications for treating chilblains on the hands include both topical and oral options. Topical treatments commonly used include chilblain ointment, vitamin E ointment, heparin sodium ointment, and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan cream. These medications have antioxidant effects and help improve blood circulation. Additionally, oral medications such as nicotinic acid (niacin) and dipyridamole may be used. Both of these drugs act as vasodilators, helping to relieve chilblains. When combined with topical treatment, these medications can achieve satisfactory results. Besides medication, it's important to keep warm, maintain dry hands, and engage in appropriate exercise to enhance your body's metabolic capacity.

Chilblains are caused by cold weather and poor peripheral circulation, leading to skin congestion. Symptoms typically include localized itching, swelling, and a burning sensation. When ulcers develop, pain may occur. Patients are advised to keep their feet and hands warm with loose-fitting shoes and socks, and to apply topical ointments as directed by a physician for symptomatic relief.

Keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid contact with water in the short term, and refrain from consuming spicy or irritating foods to prevent worsening of symptoms. At the same time, ensure proper warmth is maintained. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness!

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Can't sleep due to itchy chilblains

Chilblains are characterized by significant itching during flare-ups, which worsens with exposure to heat. Patients often have difficulty sleeping due to the intense itchiness. Chilblains commonly occur in early winter and early spring, particularly affecting children, women, and individuals with poor peripheral circulation. Typical lesions are localized, edematous, erythematous plaques with a dusky purplish-red appearance due to congestion. The borders are indistinct, often surrounded by bright red margins. The surface appears taut, shiny, soft, and pliable.

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Are you more likely to develop chilblains when the weather is colder?

The colder the weather, the more likely one is to develop chilblains. Chilblains mainly occur when cold temperatures irritate and damage the skin. Generally, the colder the weather, the more prone a person is to developing chilblains, and the more severe they become. When the environment is extremely cold and the skin lacks proper warmth, poor blood circulation combined with exposure to cold air can lead to skin damage.

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What should I do if I get chilblains?

After chilblains occur, if symptoms are not severe, prepare warm salt water and soak the hands for over 10 minutes. After soaking, apply 10 drops of water and continue this treatment for one week for good results. Dietary management is also important after developing chilblains. Drinking an appropriate amount of ginger brown sugar tea or drinking more water can accelerate peripheral circulation and improve blood flow.

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Why do hands that have had chilblains become very swollen?

In general, hands that have previously suffered from chilblains may become swollen due to factors such as local tissue damage, insufficient blood and qi, reduced subcutaneous fat, localized inflammation, or tissue hyperplasia. In addition, tissue edema and poor venous return can also cause swelling in hands affected by chilblains. It is recommended to ensure adequate rest, improve nutrition, engage in moderate outdoor activities, and strengthen overall physical health.