Why does frostbite occur year after year?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Cold is the primary cause of chilblains, but in addition, factors such as the patient's own skin moisture, abnormalities in peripheral microvessels, autonomic nerve dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, endocrine disorders, etc., may also participate in the development of the disease. Other factors such as lack of exercise, hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet, overly tight socks and shoes, and long-term outdoor work may also contribute to the occurrence of chilblains. Therefore, chilblains are actually a multifactorial disease, making it prone to recurrence.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Do chilblains itch?

Chilblains are caused by the spasm and paralysis of small peripheral blood vessels due to cold, resulting in venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Sufferers generally feel pain and itching, primarily itching, which intensifies when heated. The best approach at this time is to apply topical medications, such as chilblain cream, capsicum tincture, etc., which have an anti-itching effect.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can frostbite be cured completely?

Chilblains can recur because, in addition to cold being the primary cause, many other factors such as the skin's moisture, abnormalities in the microvasculature, autonomic dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, and endocrine disorders might also contribute to the condition. Additionally, lack of exercise, excessive sweating of the hands and feet, overly tight shoes and socks, and prolonged outdoor work can also promote the occurrence of chilblains. Thus, chilblains are a multifactorial disease. The best way to prevent recurrence is through preventive measures. These include: first, strengthening physical exercise to promote peripheral circulation and enhance the body's ability to adapt to the cold; second, early in the early winter season, it is important to prevent cold, frostbite, and dampness, stay warm, and avoid wearing tight shoes and socks; third, once exposed to cold, one should not immediately warm up by a fire or soak in hot water; fourth, irradiating the affected areas with infrared before winter or frequently soaking feet in hot water can also help in preventing chilblains.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What medicine is more effective for chilblains?

For the local treatment of chilblains, Western medicine generally uses some drugs to improve microcirculation. Commonly used drugs include compound heparin ointment, polysulfate mucopolysaccharide cream, vitamin E ointment, capsicum tincture, and so on. As for Chinese medicine, it is generally better to use some ointments that warm and drive out cold, activate blood circulation, and dissolve stasis. However, the most important thing for chilblains is to keep warm and prevent cold.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Is red, swollen, and itchy heel frostbite?

Let's talk about chilblains first, which can occur on various parts of the body. The most common cause is cold stimulation, such as redness and itching on the back of the heel, which may be due to occupational or other factors. The heel is often exposed and susceptible to cold, potentially leading to chilblains. This condition can be particularly troublesome but sometimes heals on its own as the weather warms up, though it is prone to recurrence. Treatment may require the use of vasodilators or traditional Chinese medicines that improve microcirculation and invigorate the blood. Regular physical exercise to boost immunity, avoiding cold exposure, and ensuring adequate warmth and dryness are important. Tight shoes and socks should be avoided, and it is not advisable to soak in hot water immediately after getting cold; instead, gradually increase the water temperature. If there is an open wound, appropriate ointments can be applied to promote healing, ensuring the area stays dry to prevent further chilblains. For example, soaking in water daily can be beneficial if there is no open wound, starting with water at 10°C, then increasing gradually to 20°C, and finally 30°C to gradually warm the area and improve blood circulation, aiding in recovery. Additionally, using ointments like chilblain cream can help improve the condition, but the area is still prone to reoccurrence if it gets cold again. Mainly, keeping the area warm and moist is crucial. For open wounds, regular disinfection with povidone-iodine and applying erythromycin ointment to prevent infection may be beneficial. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid inappropriate self-medication.)

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Does soaking feet in ginger treat frostbite?

Soaking your feet in ginger water can effectively help improve chilblains and also achieve therapeutic effects, so it can be done daily. It is still necessary to keep warm and avoid getting cold, because if the condition is too severe, simply soaking your feet can be relatively slow. Foot soaking can only play a temporary role, so more attention is needed usually. You can soak your feet daily, maintaining the water temperature around 40°C. Moreover, the soaking time should generally be controlled between 15 to 30 minutes to effectively help improve the condition. If the chilblains are severe, some medications can be applied for treatment. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)