If you’re unfamiliar with the term “chilblain” and wonder why it’s relevant to you as a trekker, this article is a must-read. You’ll soon discover why hikers dread these painful sores at high elevations, even those wearing top-quality boots.
Chilblains are skin swellings that are red-blue in colour and cause itching, pain, and a burning sensation. They occur as a result of a sudden shift in temperatures.
While it is uncommon for the typical Indian hiker to be affected by this health condition, knowing about it and the preventative steps to take is crucial.
Identifying Chilblains - To recognize a Chilblain, look for these signs and symptoms:
Chilblains manifest as swollen, itchy, and red to purple bumpy formations resembling nodules. There is a possibility of infection or ulceration, resulting in intense pain or infection. They induce continuous itching and numbness in the impacted area of the body.
Chronic chilblains have the potential to develop, known as Frostbite, where tissues beneath the skin become frozen.
What Causes Chilblains
The primary underlying cause is cold temperatures. When the skin is cold, the blood vessels closest to its surface constrict. However, when the skin is exposed to heat, the blood vessels dilate.
Chilblains can occur when there is a sudden temperature, such as when the skin is exposed to a fire or extremely hot object, resulting in the leakage of blood from the vessels into the surrounding tissues.
List of individuals who are more susceptible to chilblains
- Chilblains: A Generational Affair
- Nicotine, found in tobacco, functions as a vasoconstrictor, which means it has the ability to narrow blood vessels.
- Females and minors
- Individuals with low body mass index (BMI)
- Individuals suffering from Raynaud’s disease, a condition that disrupts blood flow to the digits of the hands and feet.
