How can you treat chilblains at home safely?

Chilblains, also known as pernio, are painful, itchy red or purple bumps that can form on the skin due to cold exposure. To treat chilblains at home, you can follow these steps:

1. Keep Warm: Ensure that the affected areas, like fingers and toes, are kept warm and dry. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, such as warming up too quickly after being in the cold.

2. Moisturize: Use a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin from becoming too dry, which can worsen the condition.

3. Avoid Scratching: It can be tempting to scratch the itchy areas, but this may lead to skin damage or infection.

4. Loose Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothes and shoes to improve circulation.

If symptoms do not improve or if the skin becomes very painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, it is important to contact a healthcare provider for further advice. Remember, these steps are for managing mild cases at home. Severe cases or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a professional.