Foot care · Richmond & Kensington, London
Chilblains on Toes: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Itchy, red or purple swollen toes after being out in the cold? Chilblains are common in winter. Here's what causes them, how to treat them at home and when to get them checked by a podiatrist.
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What Are Chilblains?
Chilblains are small, painful and itchy swellings that develop on the skin after exposure to cold. They most often affect the toes, but can also appear on the heels, fingers, nose and ears.
They happen when small blood vessels near the skin's surface react to cold and then to rewarming. If cold skin is warmed up too quickly, the blood vessels can't adjust fast enough, and fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue — causing redness, swelling and itching.
Signs of Chilblains
- Small red, purple or bluish patches or swellings on the toes
- Itching or a burning feeling, often worse when you warm up
- Tenderness or pain, especially in shoes
- Swollen, shiny or darker skin
- In more severe cases, blisters or small breaks in the skin
Who Gets Chilblains?
Cold, damp weather
Most common in late autumn and winter, especially in damp UK conditions rather than dry cold.
Warming up too fast
Putting cold feet on a radiator, by the fire or in hot water is a classic trigger.
Poor circulation
Including Raynaud's phenomenon, smoking, and conditions that affect blood flow.
Tight footwear
Shoes or socks that restrict circulation make toes more vulnerable to the cold.
How to Treat Chilblains at Home
Most chilblains clear up on their own within one to three weeks. To help them settle:
- Keep your feet warm and dry — thick, dry socks and well-fitting shoes
- Warm up gradually after being outside; avoid radiators and hot water bottles
- Try not to scratch — it can break the skin
- A soothing lotion such as calamine or witch hazel may ease itching (not on broken skin)
- Keep active to help your circulation, and avoid smoking
When to See a Podiatrist
Book an appointment if your chilblains are very painful, the skin has broken or blistered, there are signs of infection, they keep coming back each winter, or they haven't improved after two to three weeks.
If you have diabetes or poor circulation, don't wait — get any skin changes on your feet checked promptly. Our podiatrists can assess your circulation, protect and dress broken skin, advise on footwear and let you know if you should also see your GP.
What Our Patients Say
Chilblains Questions
What do chilblains on toes look like?
Small, itchy, red or purple patches or swellings on the toes, usually appearing a few hours after being in the cold. They can feel burning or tender, and the skin may become swollen, darker or blister.
How long do chilblains last?
Most chilblains settle on their own within one to three weeks if you keep your feet warm and avoid further cold exposure. If they keep coming back or aren't healing, get them checked.
Should I put my feet on a radiator or hot water bottle?
No. Warming cold feet too quickly is one of the main triggers for chilblains. Warm them gradually — come indoors, put on dry warm socks and let your feet warm up slowly.
Can I treat chilblains at home?
Usually, yes. Keep your feet warm and dry, avoid scratching, and a soothing lotion such as calamine or witch hazel may ease itching. Don't use creams on broken skin.
When should I see a podiatrist or GP?
If the pain is severe, the skin breaks, blisters or looks infected, chilblains keep returning every winter, or they haven't improved after two to three weeks. See someone sooner if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Can chilblains be a sign of something else?
Sometimes. Recurring or severe chilblains can be linked to poor circulation, Raynaud's phenomenon or other conditions affecting the blood vessels. A podiatrist can check your circulation and advise whether you should see your GP.
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