Here is a post that is timely given the season we are in. I know that winter is coming when the chilblains start up. Right now, I have them on every finger of my right hand and some of my left hand fingers. Ouch.
In addition to sharing this blog with my sister, we also share this malady. I have not met any others who mention having them. So what are they?
Here is a proper definition according to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:
Chilblains are Erythema, itching, and burning, especially of the dorsa of the fingers and toes, and of the heels, nose, and ears caused by vascular constriction on exposure to extreme cold (usually associated with high humidity); lesions can be single or multiple, and can become blistered and ulcerated. (synonym: periniosis)
Mine began about five years ago and are limited to my fingertips. Little painful red dots, pinprick in size. So sensitive that it hurts to touch and pick up things. Eventually, the red dots erupt and heal over taking on a crater look.
For me, the word, chilblain, conjures up an image such as this:
It is probable that chilblains come from my British Isles ancestors. It seems a very English affliction to have. Think Dickens' tales or Oliver Twist (especially the bad guy with the fingerless gloves).
They tie me to my ancestors in a romantic sense---the ancestors who bore the hardships of English/Scottish/Irish winters. If not for them---and chilblains----I might not be here in my present form.
Other than wearing gloves at all times to keep hands protected from cold weather, I have not found any quick fix for chilblains. If it gets worse, I may check out this:
The medieval Bald's Leechbook* recommended that chilblains be treated with a mix of eggs, wine, and fennel root. (Wikipedia)
Anybody out there have chilblains and care to share remedies?
*(Bald's Leechbook (also known as Medicinale Anglicum) is an Old English medical text probably compiled in the ninth-century, possibly under the influence of Alfred the Great's educational reforms. It takes its name from a Latin verse colophon at the end of the second book which begins Bald habet hunc librum Cild quem conscribere iussit, meaning "Bald owns this book which he ordered Cild to compile. [Wikipedia])
Yeah---I have had this antiquated condition for about ten years now. I think with the advent of central heat chilblains disappeared from most of the general population. Except for us. I love the " Bald's Leechbook" recommendation! I think gingko may be effective, and a friend made me a ginger salve for it, but I tend to get lazy with the remedies so i have never had success. One interesting tidbit: I didn't get chilblains while I was pregnant. Thanks for posting!
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