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Chilblains

Overview

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Symptoms of chilblains include swollen, red or purple patches on your skin (mostly on your fingers and toes) that can feel itchy or like it’s burning.

Chilblains usually clear up on their own after 2 to 3 weeks. You can ease the pain with painkillers or ask a pharmacist about creams that may help.

A GP can check if you have chilblains. If they're not sure why you're getting them, the GP may refer you to a specialist.

Chilblains usually happen if you have been in the cold and then warm up too quickly.

Chilblains are swollen, itchy patches that can appear on your skin after you have been in the cold. They usually clear up on their own.

Page last reviewed: 28/07/2022
Next review due: 28/07/2025