What are Chilblains?

Chilblains are a skin condition characterised by a local inflammatory response to acute or repetitive exposure to cold temperatures above freezing point.1 When exposed to cold, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow.2

This medical condition is seasonal as it’s common during the winter season.

Typically affecting the toes, fingers, and other extremities, chilblains can cause discomfort and, in severe cases, lead to cracks or sores.2

What do Chilblains look like?

At the start of winter, people susceptible to chilblains may experience burning and itching on their hands and feet. In more severe cases, the skin can break down, leading to sores or ulcers.2

There are certain characteristic features that are common in people that suffer from chilblains including1:

• Lesions about 2cm in diameter in the feet and/or fingers.
• Swollen, itchy red or purple lesions on affected areas.
• Lesions are initially white in colour due to restricted blood flow in the small blood vessels then as blood vessels widen, they turn red.
• Bluish discolouration is often associated with end stage of the disease.
• As they resolve, chilblains will cause the skin to form wrinkles, scaly and shiny on the affected area.

What causes Chilblains?

When exposed to cold, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow. Once the area warms up, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue. People with poor circulation or blood vessel issues are more prone to chilblains.2

The condition can also be associated with an underlying autoimmune medical condition such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Type 1 Diabetes and Psoriasis, to mention a few.1

How to Prevent Chilblains?

The best way to prevent chilblains is by keeping your body, hands, fingers, feet, and legs warm, particularly if you have poor circulation or limited mobility. It’s important to keep your entire body warm, not just your hands and feet.2 The following can be done to prevent chilblains1:

• Wear thick gloves, socks or leg warmers to keep the heat in. Thermal socks are recommended for their good heat retention properties.
• Minimise exposure to extremes of temperatures and rapid temperature change.

How to Treat Chilblains?

There are several ways to support the treatment of chilblains and create conditions favorable for healing.1

• Topical creams that have a cooling and soothing effect (on unbroken skin only). Such creams help control the inflammatory response in the early stages of the disease.
• Gentle foot soft tissue massage helps improve circulation in the smaller blood vessels of the feet.
• Padding and dressings are used for broken chilblains to keep the affected area free from infection at the same time protecting tissues from mechanical stress.

How does Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream Help Chilblains?

At Sudocrem®, we understand how frustrating it can be to manage chilblains – which is why we are here to help.

Here’s how Sudocrem® Antiseptic Healing Cream can help you manage chilblains:

• Treats inflamed skin: Our formulation helps calm irritated skin and reduces redness.
• Soothing properties: Soothes and protects irritated skin, reducing redness and calming discomfort.
• Mild pain relief: Sudocrem® contains benzyl alcohol which acts as a mild anaesthetic, helping reduce some of the discomfort associated with chilblains.
• Promotes healing: By maintaining moisture levels, Sudocrem® supports tissue repair promoting the regeneration of healthy skin and accelerating the skin’s natural healing process.

Learn More: Explore our website for information on other conditions Sudocrem® can help treat, from nappy rash to eczema. Sudocrem®’s versatility extends beyond chilblains, so discover its full potential!

1. https://www.spectrumhealth.ie/blog/chilblains-and-how-to-avoid-them Date accessed: January 2026
2. https://www.dlfootclinic.ie/chilblains Date accessed: January 2026