What does it mean when frostbite turns purple?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can frostbite be soaked in hot water?

Chilblains should not be soaked in hot water. Chilblains are generally caused when a part of the body is exposed to low temperatures, causing the capillaries and other small blood vessels to constrict due to the cold. Therefore, suddenly soaking them in hot water can cause these already damaged capillaries to suddenly expand, leading to worsening of the chilblains, swelling, and even infection. If chilblains occur, it is essential to receive proper medical treatment.

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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 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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What medicine is more effective for chilblains?

For the local treatment of chilblains, Western medicine generally uses some drugs to improve microcirculation. Commonly used drugs include compound heparin ointment, polysulfate mucopolysaccharide cream, vitamin E ointment, capsicum tincture, and so on. As for Chinese medicine, it is generally better to use some ointments that warm and drive out cold, activate blood circulation, and dissolve stasis. However, the most important thing for chilblains is to keep warm and prevent cold.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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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.