What does it mean when frostbite turns purple?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 17, 2024

00:00

00:00

Chilblains turning purple is mainly due to the local skin inflammation caused by cold stimulation, where the congestion in the local skin accumulates and cannot be expelled. Chilblains turning purple may be accompanied by local skin itching or pain, thus timely medication is needed for relief. You can apply some protective oils and chilblain creams, and it is important to keep both the whole body and the affected area dry and warm. Gloves and shoes should not be too tight.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

44sec

home-news-image

Do chilblains hurt?

Frostbite occurs due to cold, causing the small arteries at the distal parts of our body to constrict, become paralyzed and spasm, leading to venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Therefore, patients generally have symptoms such as itching and pain. Minor cases primarily present with itching which worsens with heat, while severe cases may mainly experience pain, especially when severe blisters, ulcerations, and further increased pain occur. If there is pain due to local frostbite, topical application of traditional Chinese medicine ointments that warm, expel cold, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain, or frostbite creams, capsicum tincture, etc., can be used.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

35sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

30sec

home-news-image

Frostbite is caused by how?

Chilblains is a condition many people have suffered from, especially prone to occur in winter. The main cause is due to poor cold resistance of the skin, coupled with low temperatures, which causes the peripheral skin blood vessels to constrict or spasm. This leads to local circulatory disturbances and tissue damage. Therefore, after developing chilblains, symptoms such as itching and pain are common, and it is essential to treat them promptly with medication.

home-news-image

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

40sec

home-news-image

Can frostbite be soaked in hot water?

Chilblains occur when cold causes the small blood vessels at the extremities and peripheral ends of the human body to constrict and spasm, resulting in venous congestion and poor local blood circulation. Therefore, soaking the affected area in hot water can dilate blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and increase blood flow, which helps in treating chilblains. Adding some traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like safflower, Angelica sinensis, Salvia miltiorrhiza, dried ginger, and aconite to the hot water, which are known for their properties of warming and invigorating the circulation of blood and dispelling cold, can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

35sec

home-news-image

How to prevent frostbite

Frostbite is a skin disease caused by local skin inflammation due to cold weather. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent frostbite by avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, low-temperature environments. If it is necessary to be in such environments, it is essential to keep both the local areas and the entire body warm. You can wear hats, earmuffs, and gloves, and put on thicker shoes and socks. However, shoes, socks, and gloves should not be too tight, as overly tight clothing can also lead to frostbite.