How to remove the red marks left by frostbite?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
00:00
00:00

For those with severe chilblains or prolonged exposure to cold, the affected tissue may suffer from hypoxia and cell damage, worsening the condition and potentially leading to blisters, erosion, and ulcers. Post-recovery, there may be residual pigmentation, such as red marks. Generally, the body undergoes a self-repair process where these marks gradually fade and disappear. For severe cases, applying ointments that improve microcirculation, repair the skin barrier, and reduce scarring can help accelerate the fading of these red marks.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
30sec home-news-image

Frostbite is caused by how?

Chilblains is a condition many people have suffered from, especially prone to occur in winter. The main cause is due to poor cold resistance of the skin, coupled with low temperatures, which causes the peripheral skin blood vessels to constrict or spasm. This leads to local circulatory disturbances and tissue damage. Therefore, after developing chilblains, symptoms such as itching and pain are common, and it is essential to treat them promptly with medication.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
35sec home-news-image

How to remove the red marks left by frostbite?

For those with severe chilblains or prolonged exposure to cold, the affected tissue may suffer from hypoxia and cell damage, worsening the condition and potentially leading to blisters, erosion, and ulcers. Post-recovery, there may be residual pigmentation, such as red marks. Generally, the body undergoes a self-repair process where these marks gradually fade and disappear. For severe cases, applying ointments that improve microcirculation, repair the skin barrier, and reduce scarring can help accelerate the fading of these red marks.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
37sec home-news-image

Why does frostbite occur year after year?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
1min 46sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
42sec home-news-image

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.)