We have started the new year with a drop in temperatures throughout the peninsula. And we continue with low temperature alerts, and even warnings of possible snowfall in the forecast that meteorologists release for the next few days.
Well, even if it is obvious, you have to wrap up.
And if we don’t do it right, in addition to other ailments the cold can cause injuries to our skin whose name takes us back to past times and perhaps some think they are a thing of the past: the chilblains.
He “pernio erythema”popularly known as chilblain, is a inflammatory lesion that causes redness and itching. The most common is that it appears on the extremities, hands and feetalthough it is also common for it to arise in ears or face.
Why do chilblains appear?
Well, as they explain from the Official College of Podiatrists of Castilla-La Mancha:
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“It is a abnormal response of our body to exposure to cold followed by warming. When cold skin warms up again, the blood vessels in our skin expand rapidly and cause chilblains to appear.
So if we detect small red and swollen areas on the feet, hands, face or ears that burn or itchmost likely we have chilblains.
They can also appear blisters, ulcers, and color changes on the skin, as well as pain.
Risk population
No one is free from suffering from this type of inflammatory lesion, although it is true that there are population groups most vulnerable such as children, the elderly and women.
In addition, and as indicated by the podiatrists of Castilla-La Mancha, there are certain health factors that will increase the risk of appearance of perniosis.
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The first one is to have circulation problems blood, which makes the patient more sensitive to changes in temperature.
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Another factor that can favor this condition is the over weight.
- Having rheumatoid arthritis or vasculitis will also make that person more prone to chilblains.
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Lastly, we must mention the patients who suffer the Raynaud’s disease. It is a pathology that causes anomalies in the blood vessels, which narrow when the person feels cold or stress. As is logical, those affected by this pathology must take special care of their extremities before the drop in temperatures.
Recommendations to prevent
Thus, given the prospect of these days with thermometers hovering around 0 degrees, it is best to follow a series of recommendations to avoid these annoying injuries.
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The first thing is to use a clothing adapted to the temperature, without forgetting the hands or ears. Always socks, gloves and hat, better if they are made of natural fibers, such as wool.
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As hand hygiene is quite frequent, given the new habits acquired due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is important properly dry hands after each wash.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing It is also important, because the garment that tightens us will hinder blood flow to the extremities.
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Always, but especially in these days of intense cold, you have to move. It is the best way to stimulate blood circulation.
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In winter, the body may not ask for as much water as at other times of the year, but you have to keep drinking. Regular hydration helps to maintain all the properties and functions of the skin.
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Do not forget apply moisturizing cream in risk areas: hands, feet, face. And don’t forget the ears! A little hydration will prevent chilblains.
- No warming up cold feet or hands by putting them directly on a heat source! Use warm water baths or massages to warm them up.
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AND no alcohol or tobacco. They directly affect the circulatory system of our body.
If, despite having taken the necessary measures, these uncomfortable skin lesions appear it is best not to scratch or touch the blisters or ulcers that could arise. We could make wounds susceptible to infection.
If after two or three weeks the lesions do not disappear, it is best to see a doctor for a review.