Even though the weather is warming up, you should always be prepared for foot conditions that are brought on by the cold. That’s why Drs. Kelly Bumpus and Danielle Malin want to talk to you about Chilblains (erythema pernio). These are areas of the skin on the food that turn red and swell. It’s both itchy and painful. If you experience any foot-related problems, contact Knoxville Footcare in Knoxville, TN, today.
You need to take extra care of your feet when the weather is colder. Prevention is the best way to stop the development of conditions like chilblains. Your podiatrist in Knoxville, TN, can identify a chilblain from a simple evaluation. The identifying feature of chilblains is that the toes turn blue, red, or purple. Next is the skin itchiness. Over time, the itching turns to a painful, burning sensation. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist right away. Chilblains put you at risk for developing life-threatening bacterial infections by creating cracks in the skin.
Chilblains develop after exposing your feet to cold and damp weather for long periods. It also happens after putting your feet in cold water. The elderly or patients with poor circulation or Raynaud’s syndrome are at a higher risk.
Patients can prevent the development of chilblains by taking good care of their feet. Wear the right amount of layers when going out and thicker socks. If your feet manage to get wet, warm them up carefully and slowly.
Your Knoxville, TN, podiatrist will help you find a treatment that works. The biggest piece of advice is to avoid scratching them. Putting lotion on them helps dissolve any discomfort. Let us know right away if a chilblain has broken the skin or ulcerated.
Knoxville Footcare is located in Knoxville, TN. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Kelly Bumpus or Danielle Malin, call 865-632-5700 or visit https://www.knoxvillefootcare.com/.