#BREAK#
Chilblains are an irregular response of the small blood vessels within the skin to changes in ambient temperature. This irregular response results in a uncomfortable reddish itching patch which then turns a darkish blue colour since waste material build up. Chilblains are more widespread in the cooler areas.
Typically when the feet get cold, the small arteries in the skin close up in order to save heat and then once the skin is heated up after that those small arteries open. This is a normal process.
Each time a chilblain occurs these smaller arteries for some not known reason remain closed down more than they need to as the skin warms up. This means that the metabolic demands of your skin just isn't getting satisfied from the blood circulation coming from those little blood vessels. After that, typically, the blood vessels will quickly open up resulting in a red patch on the epidermis connected with the inflammatory reaction. With all the discharge of inflammatory mediators that lesion on the skin becomes itching and painful. Since the waste products in the epidermis increase from this activity it changes to a darkish color. The chilblain will gradually get better. It can be chronic if another chilblain occurs as a result of recurring cold exposures but not using preventative steps.
Chilblains aren't a result of cold; they can be the result of a too speedy warming up of the feet after it is cold and the blood vessels that were restricted aren't given time to open up by slowly warming up the foot. Poor blood circulation is not the factor for chilblains, it is just how the circulation responds to adjustments to temperatures that's the concern. A great deal of younger people who have great blood circulation can get them.
The prevention of chilblains is actually by first of all not letting the feet become cold after which if you do become cold to let the foot to warm-up slowly. The treatment of chilblains is usually to safeguard the lesion and promote the blood circulation preventing another one from coming about.