Chilblains

Not sure if my recent attacks of these blighters is anything to do with my stents and medication? I did use to get them before, but not this bad.....maybe it is just bad luck, has anyone else had problems after heart procedures or being on meds? I am now only on blood thinners and statins. Can't even do the park run on Saturday now it is so frustrating hobbling about!

[Hidden]

Have you been to the doctors this time? You know that if you are susceptible to them, it is quite possible when you get them again, they may well be more acute since any hospitalisation and procedure does tend to lower the immune system - Go to the doctors and get them treated my friend

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

There is no treatment!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

But there is treatment available

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Would you care to expand then? As far as I am aware the only treatment is prevention?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

What is the treatment for chilblains?

Although chilblains are uncomfortable, they do not usually cause any permanent damage. They will usually heal on their own if further exposure to the cold is avoided.

Keep the affected areas warm. This means staying out of the cold, or wearing warm gloves, socks, etc, when outdoors.

No other treatment is normally needed, as they usually go away by themselves.

A range of creams and lotions can be bought from a pharmacy. However, there is no evidence that any of these are of benefit so they are not recommended.

Steroid creams are no longer recommended for the treatment (or prevention) of chilblains.

If you smoke then you should try to stop, as smoking can make chilblains worse.

Medicines are not usually needed. A medicine called nifedipine can open wide (dilate) the small blood vessels and may help to treat chilblains which are not settling within the normal time. Occasionally it may also be used to prevent chilblains in the winter months in people who have repeated symptoms.

See patient.info/health/Chilbla...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Good article thanks for the link. Interesting to note the mention of Beta Blockers possibly not helping. I have recently come off them now so I hope this might help to prevent them.

[Calliope153]

nhsinform.scot/illnesses-an...

full of good advice and explanation of why chilblains occur. Hope it helps

[jimmyq]

All the above plus ... you are not getting any younger.

[Hidden in reply to jimmyq]

Thanks for reminding me of that Jimmy. I have had a theory that because my blood is now a lot thinner, it is easy for it to leak out of damaged blood vessels, which probably accounts for the chilblains. I am obviously going to have to be very careful and always wear gloves and look after my feet

[jimmyq in reply to Hidden]

I feel the cold more these days too. Good luck!