A Chilblain Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Sources

A chilblain is a circular, raised, red swelling appearing on the fingers or toes during cold weather. It is caused by the narrowing of small arteries in the cold, which restricts the flow of blood. This leads to tissue damage in the area concerned from shortage of oxygen and glucose fuel, and bacteria may also accumulate there.

Symptoms 
• pain and itching in the area of skin affected
• swelling and redness

TREATMENT 

Chinese Herbalism 
Treatment would be aimed at Deficient Yang qi, and useful herbs include cinnamon twigs, red sage, angelica, dried ginger, and aconite root. Traditional Home and Folk Remedies Ginger, taken internally as a tea, or chewed (the root), or externally (in the bath) will warm the body, and both prevent and treat chilblains. A roasted onion poultice can be applied to chilblains to draw the heat to the surface and encourage healing. A poultice of mustard can be applied to chilblains to warm the area. (See page 84.)

Herbalism 
Nettle tea, and creams and ointments can be applied to the affected area. Drink an. infusion of nettle. Improve the general circulation of the body by taking rosemary tea with a pinch of cayenne. Rub a hot oil made with cayenne, pepper or mustard over the chilblain. Do not apply this if the skin is broken; use marigold ointment instead. When chilblains have caused the skin to break, apply calendula ointment to promote healing.

Aromatherapy 
Lemon, lavender, chamomile, cypress, peppermint, or black pepper essential oil can be used in massage, in a bath or foot bath, or dabbed on the affected area.

Homeopathy 
Agaricus, for chilblains that burn and itch and are not relieved by cold compresses. Petroleum, for burning, itching chilblains worsened by damp. Calcarea, when the chilblains are worse in cold weather, and the patient feels chilly and prone to head sweats. Pulsatilla, for chilblains that are most painful when the limbs hang down, and which are worsened by warmth. 

Vitamins and Minerals 
Eat plenty of garlic, and brewer’s yeast, which will encourage the healthy functioning of the circulatory system. Increase your intake of oily fish. Vitamins C and E will encourage the healthy functioning of the circulatory system. Vitamin E oil, applied to burst chilblains, will help prevent scarring and encourage healing.