For those of you who do not have an idea of what it means, Chilblains is the medical term used to denote the blisters and ulcers that appear on the fingers, toes, ears and nose due to frostbite. Also called as Perniosis or just Pernio, the condition can affect any part of the skin that is exposed to exceedingly cold temperatures, and is more prevalent in the winter seasons.Although chilblains usually occur in winter and are more common in individuals who are extremely sensitive to the cold weather, the blisters resulting from the condition can also occur due to other factors like poor blood circulation, hormonal changes, poor eating habits, conditions like anemia or genetic traits etc.
Effective Home Remedies For Chilblains
Chilblains can be easily handled with the help of certain home remedies the more common of which are given below.
1. Apply OTC Calendula Ointment
One of the best known home remedies for chilblains is to apply some calendula ointment directly over the blisters. Calendula is an OTC ointment that can be obtained at any local pharmacy or drugstore. Dab a small amount of the ointment directly above the blisters to get some relief from the pain. Do not apply the calendula ointment (or any other ointment or cream for that matter) if the blisters are oozing fluid or bleeding. Do not apply the ointment on cracked skin as well. Doing so could potentially aggravate the condition [1].
2. Apply Turnip Paste
Grind some turnips to get a coarse paste. Apply this paste over the blisters to get rid of the blisters and get relief from the symptoms of the condition. You can also opt to grate some turnips and boil them in a glass of water for about 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool down and apply it over the affected area. This would greatly reduce the pain and irritation caused by the blisters. Rinse off after about 15 minutes. You can substitute turnips with horseradish or celery for the same results [2].
3. Massage With Peppercorn Oil
Massaging the affected areas with some oil can help relieve the pain and irritation caused by chilblains. It can also get rid of the blisters quickly. You can opt for a homemade oil for the same purpose. Grind some black peppercorns to form a coarse powder. Fry the powder in either sesame or mustard oil for about 10 minutes. Filter the resultant solution and store it in a bottle. Apply this oil on the blisters directly and massage the affected area at least twice every day to get rid of the blisters effectively.
Do not apply this oil if the skin in the affected region is cracked or bleeding as doing so can aggravate the pain and inflammation. You can also substitute this homemade oil with rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint or natural vegetable oils. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the oil for additional benefits [3].
4. Apply Lemon Juice
Applying some lemon juice on the blisters can help treat the blisters and bring down the inflammation caused by the same to a great extent. You can also opt to use leftover lemon wedges (fresh ones) for the same purpose. It might sting a bit, but would guarantee quick and effective results [4].
5. Rub Potato Slices
A single potato slice can bring down the itching and inflammation caused by chilblains to a great extent. Cut a potato into a few slices. Sprinkle some salt on the slices and place them directly above the blisters. You can also opt to rub the affected area gently with these slices. Another remedy for chilblains using potato slices involves boiling the slices in water for about 15 minutes, letting the solution cool down (until it is warm enough) and soaking the affected area in the solution for about 10 minutes for immediate and extended relief [5].
6. Soak in Marigold Flower Solution
If you can get your hands on some marigold flowers, then good for you. Boil the flowers in some water for about 20 minutes and let the resultant solution cool down. Soak the affected area in the solution for about 15 minutes to get relief from the pain and irritation caused by the blisters. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to the solution for quicker results [6].
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7. Rub Onion Slices
Rubbing some onion slices gently over the affected area can help bring down the itching and inflammation caused by chilblains to an extent. Alternatively, you can grind an onion to form a paste and apply the paste all over the affected area. You can also add a few drops of garlic juice to the paste for additional benefits. Rinse the paste with cold water afterwards [7].
8. Apply Homemade Skin Mask
Make a homemade mask by mixing equal amounts of flour, honey and egg whites. Let the mixture settle (it has to be thick enough to hold onto your skin without dripping) and then apply it over the affected areas. Leave it overnight and wash it off with lukewarm water the next morning. Repeat this remedy every night for a week or so until the blisters disappear [6].
9. Soak in Oatmeal Porridge
Warm, cooked oatmeal porridge can help relieve the pain, itching and irritation caused by the blisters. Apply some warm oatmeal porridge over the affected areas and wash it off with cold water afterwards. You can also opt to grind the oatmeal to form a coarse powder. Add 2 tbsps. of this powder to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water and soak in the same for extended relief from chilblains and their symptoms [9].
10. Increase intake of Nutrient Rich Foods
Calcium deficiencies can make a person more vulnerable to chilblains. Eating plenty of calcium rich foods would curb this deficiency and get rid of chilblains caused by the same in addition to preventing recurrences.Eating foods rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins can also be beneficial for the skin and promote quick healing of the blisters and the affected skin [10]
11. Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly can improve the blood circulation to all parts of the body and help get rid of the blisters quickly. A 30 minute workout regime every day can keep your body active and blister free even during winters. So try opting for regular walks, jogs, swims or cardiovascular workouts to keep the blood flowing in the system [11].
