Chilblains can be treated at home with self-care, including keeping your hands and feet warm and dry. Chilblains symptoms usually clear up in 2 or 3 weeks after cold exposure. The following are some at home treatments and lifestyle changes that may help.
- Rewarm the skin slowly and gently, without massaging, rubbing or applying direct heat.
- Avoid cold exposure whenever possible.
- Keep the affected skin dry and warm, but away from sources of heat.
- Apply lotion to alleviate itching, such as hydrocortisone cream available in drugstores.
- Keep any blisters and sores clean and covered.
- Avoid scratching the affected skin.
- If you smoke, try to quit, as smoking can narrow your blood vessels and slow wound healing.
- Wear gloves and socks to keep hands and feet warm.
Useful oils:
- Mustard oil: Ayurveda specifically mentions Mustard oil for treating chilblains. Massage mustard oil on your hand and feet twice a day. This will warm up your skin and improve circulation. If you get reddeness, irritation or rash with mustard oil, then replace with coconut oil.
- Lavender oil: Lavender oil can help in improving blood circulation. Put 15 drops of lavender oil in 1 ounce or 30 ml of mustard oil. Massage the mixture on hands and feet twice a day. You can also add peppermint, myrrh, and rosemary oil to mustard oil.
Helpful foods:
Foods that help improve blood flow include the following spices:
- Cayenne
- Pepper
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Onion
Essential fatty acids are necessary for circulatory health and blood vessel integrity. Add sesame seeds, oats, and almonds to your diet. When it comes to the health of your circulatory system, you should avoid some of the following foods such as dietary fiber-deficient foods (fatty fried foods, puddings, cakes and biscuits, and sweets)
Supplements:
- They can complement your healthy, well-balanced whole-food diet. The B vitamin niacin (vitamin B3) is used when circulation to the minor capillaries isn’t as good as it should be.
- You should consume calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and K, and fiber-rich foods or supplements.
Footwear:
Cotton, bamboo, or woolen socks and leather or canvas shoes are the best choices. It’s essential to spend as little time as possible barefoot. Make sure however, that your rooms are equipped with heaters and your floors have rugs for warmth.
Exercise:
Exercise aids in the improvement of blood circulation and elevation of body temperature. You can help normalize blood flow by doing some simple exercises. If you’re up for it, try some cardiovascular exercises because they have the most beneficial effects.