<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about chilblains (2) Be careful until early spring! Explanation of prevention and treatment methods for chilblains How to prevent chilblains (frostbite) Nutrients (foods) to consume to prevent chilblains (frostbite) How to prevent chilblains (frostbite) in children How to treat chilblains (frostbite) Is it possible to prevent chilblains, which can appear on hands and feet during the cold season? This article, supervised by a dermatologist, provides a detailed explanation, including how to treat chilblains if they do occur. How to prevent chilblains (frostbite) Chilblains (frostbite) develop when blood flow to the extremities is reduced due to prolonged exposure to cold environments. The following methods are effective in preventing them. Dress warmly in cold places. Chilblains (frostbite) are more common in early winter and late winter when the daily temperature fluctuations are greater than in the middle of winter. The risk of chilblains increases when moving between areas with significant temperature changes, so take precautions against the cold from an early stage. When going outside, use gloves, a scarf, a mask, earmuffs, a hat, and hand warmers to avoid exposure to the cold. Avoid shoes that constrict your toes. Wearing tight shoes or pointed-toe shoes for extended periods can impair blood circulation in the toes, potentially leading to chilblains (frostbite), so caution is advised. Avoid humidity Wearing wet socks or gloves for extended periods can cause your fingertips and toes to get cold, making you more susceptible to frostbite. Having a spare pair and changing them when they get wet can help prevent this. It warms the body from the inside and improves blood circulation. It's also important to warm your body from the inside out by eating warm food and taking a relaxing bath. Massage is also effective in improving blood circulation. I want to take this to prevent chilblains (frostbite).Nutrients (food) While a well-balanced diet is fundamental, actively consuming foods that promote blood circulation can help prevent chilblains. Specifically, these include the following nutrients (foods): Vitamin E Vitamin E has the effect of improving blood circulation. It is found in nuts (almonds, peanuts, etc.), vegetable oils such as palm oil, spinach, pumpkin, avocado, eel, and egg yolks.Furthermore, vitamin E is more effective when taken together with vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, and acerola, among other things. Spices Foods that have a warming effect on the body include spices and seasonings such as ginger, chili peppers, and black pepper. However, be careful not to eat too much, as it can put a strain on your stomach. How to prevent chilblains (frostbite) in children As explained in"(1) Explanation of the causes and symptoms of chilblains," chilblains are commonly seen in school-aged children. Children have less subcutaneous fat than adults and a larger surface area relative to their body weight, so they lose body heat easily and are more susceptible to the effects of outside temperature. Moreover, they often play outside even in the cold and don't mind if their hands and feet get wet, so they need to be more careful about chilblains than adults. As for preventative measures, as mentioned earlier, it's important to dress warmly, change wet socks and gloves immediately, and avoid wearing wet shoes for extended periods. If you know in advance that your child will get wet from playing in the snow, make sure they wear waterproof gloves, shoes, and ski wear. It's also important to warm their hands and feet by soaking them in lukewarm water or massaging them after coming in from outside. Chilblains (frostbite) are more likely to occur in early winter and early spring when the temperature fluctuates more drastically throughout the day than in the middle of winter, so be careful even after the peak of winter is over. Also, in rare cases, it may not be chilblains but an autoimmune disease or other illness, so if the symptoms do not subside even in spring, consult a dermatologist or pediatrician. How to treat chilblains (frostbite) Chilblains (frostbite) cause swelling and redness of the hands, feet, and ears, but the worst part is the intense itching. However, scratching can cause the skin to peel and create wounds, so it's important to avoid scratching. Below, we will explain in detail how to treat chilblains (frostbite). Heat retention Keeping warm will prevent the condition from worsening. Wear gloves, socks, earmuffs, a scarf, a mask, and a hat to protect yourself from the cold. When doing housework involving water, wear rubber gloves.When you come home from a cold place, warm your hands and feet with lukewarm water. Warming them slowly will prevent the itching from getting too intense. Wearing slippers or house shoes indoors to keep your hands warm will also help prevent the symptoms from worsening.We often hear stories of people having trouble taking their shoes off at work. In such cases, we recommend taking off your shoes, and if your socks are wet, take those off as well, and warming the area with a hand warmer or similar item, taking care not to get low-temperature burns. Even if the itching temporarily increases, improving blood flow may lead to a quicker resolution of the symptoms. Massage during bath Bathing warms the body from the inside, and massage improves blood circulation. Massage should be done gently and carefully. Using bath salts or other products that have a warming effect on the body is also a good idea. Over-the-counter medications Creams and ointments specifically for chilblains are available over-the-counter, offering benefits such as reducing itching and improving blood circulation. Applying these medications to the affected area can help alleviate symptoms. When applying, be careful not to rub too hard. In addition to ointments and creams, oral medications containing vitamin E and other ingredients are also available over-the-counter. Visit a dermatologist If your symptoms worsen or the itching and pain become unbearable, consult a dermatologist. Depending on the symptoms and severity, you may be prescribed ointments that improve blood circulation, oral medications, or herbal medicines (such as Toki-shigyaku-ka-goshuyu-shokyo-to).People with diabetes or obstructive arteriosclerosis are more prone to severe chilblains (frostbite), so extra caution is necessary. Supervised by: Dr. Yuki Horiuchi, Director of Akihabara Skin ClinicAfter graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo Women's Medical University, she worked at dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Tokyo before opening Akihabara Skin Clinic in 2007. She is a certified specialist of the Japanese Dermatological Association, a director of the Japanese Society for Medical Hair Removal, and an advisor to the A-Care Association. She is a member of the Japanese Dermatological Association, the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Dermatology, the Japanese Society for Laser Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Anti-Aging Medicine, among others. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.