Why does frostbite occur year after year?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Cold is the primary cause of chilblains, but in addition, factors such as the patient's own skin moisture, abnormalities in peripheral microvessels, autonomic nerve dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, endocrine disorders, etc., may also participate in the development of the disease. Other factors such as lack of exercise, hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet, overly tight socks and shoes, and long-term outdoor work may also contribute to the occurrence of chilblains. Therefore, chilblains are actually a multifactorial disease, making it prone to recurrence.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Do chilblains recur every year?

Chilblains are caused by the skin being in a low temperature environment. If chilblains occur, the likelihood of recurrence is very high, but it is not absolute. After experiencing chilblains once, if the environmental temperature is relatively low every year afterward and one does not keep warm sufficiently, it is basically possible for the chilblains to recur annually. However, if the climate temperature rises in subsequent years and one pays attention to keeping warm, it is also possible that chilblains will not reappear.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How to remove the red marks left by frostbite?

For those with severe chilblains or prolonged exposure to cold, the affected tissue may suffer from hypoxia and cell damage, worsening the condition and potentially leading to blisters, erosion, and ulcers. Post-recovery, there may be residual pigmentation, such as red marks. Generally, the body undergoes a self-repair process where these marks gradually fade and disappear. For severe cases, applying ointments that improve microcirculation, repair the skin barrier, and reduce scarring can help accelerate the fading of these red marks.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Do chilblains itch?

Chilblains are caused by the spasm and paralysis of small peripheral blood vessels due to cold, resulting in venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Sufferers generally feel pain and itching, primarily itching, which intensifies when heated. The best approach at this time is to apply topical medications, such as chilblain cream, capsicum tincture, etc., which have an anti-itching effect.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can frostbite be cured completely?

Chilblains can recur because, in addition to cold being the primary cause, many other factors such as the skin's moisture, abnormalities in the microvasculature, autonomic dysfunction, malnutrition, anemia, and endocrine disorders might also contribute to the condition. Additionally, lack of exercise, excessive sweating of the hands and feet, overly tight shoes and socks, and prolonged outdoor work can also promote the occurrence of chilblains. Thus, chilblains are a multifactorial disease. The best way to prevent recurrence is through preventive measures. These include: first, strengthening physical exercise to promote peripheral circulation and enhance the body's ability to adapt to the cold; second, early in the early winter season, it is important to prevent cold, frostbite, and dampness, stay warm, and avoid wearing tight shoes and socks; third, once exposed to cold, one should not immediately warm up by a fire or soak in hot water; fourth, irradiating the affected areas with infrared before winter or frequently soaking feet in hot water can also help in preventing chilblains.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can frostbite be treated with a hot towel compress?

Chilblains are caused by the cold, leading to spasms and contractions in the small blood vessels at the distal and peripheral ends of the human body, causing venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. At this time, using a hot towel for local hot compresses, or using heating pads for local heat application, can dilate local blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and increase blood flow, which helps in treating chilblains.