The cold season is finally coming and with it, colds, otitis, flu and medical problems from cold that children tend to take every year. Chilblains are another of those problems that we referred to, those injuries that usually appear on the hands and feet. Generally, they are usually associated with older people, however, babies and young children are also exposed to high temperatures and can suffer the consequences of cold in their extremities.
This is generally a minor problem, which is easily remedied and is usually uncomplicated. However, if chilblains injuries become complicated, the child could suffer infections and even ulcers, which is very painful for such a young child. For this reason, it is important to take into account some preventive measures and prevent babies and young children from suffering from chilblains.
What are chilblains
Chilblain is an inflammation that occurs in the blood vessels of the skin, usually in the hands and feet, although they can also occur in the ears and other parts of the body. This inflammation occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to cold air, and can be easily seen as its symptoms are easily recognizable.
Reddish rashes appear on the skin, they are very itchy and painful in some cases. The rash can even ulcerate with the risk of infections and other complications of varying severity. However, the most normal thing is that the chilblains disappear in a few weeks, usually within three weeks. This will depend on whether the ambient temperature changes or whether the child receives medical treatment.
Sometimes a corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation and the discomfort that this produces, the itching and pain. Although if you start treating it early, it is possible to reduce the effects of chilblains with some home remedies.
Prevention and treatment of chilblains
In cold seasons is when there is a risk of chilblains appearing, therefore, it is very important protect children from exposure to cold air to prevent them from suffering them. Although in most cases they are minor injuries, the symptoms are very annoying especially for the little ones.
For prevent chilblains you can follow the following tips:
- Shelter your children well when they go out in the cold season. Children they must wear gloves, hats to protect your head and ears, and a scarf to protect your neck and lower face.
- Regarding footwear, make sure your shoes are waterproof and very warm. Socks should be made of natural materials such as cotton.
- After being exposed to the cold, you should warm up your limbs but progressively. Avoid a sudden temperature changeFor example, they should not put their hands in hot water immediately. This could worsen the condition of injuries caused by chilblains.
Home remedies
Once the chilblains appear, you can follow these home remedies to improve your condition:
- Calendula infusion: Prepare an infusion and let it temper well before using it. Apply on the skin of the child twice a day, right in the area where the chilblains are.
- Turnip is one of the most effective remedies. You just have to cut the turnip in half and rub the chilblains. Soon you will see how the inflammation is reduced, the child will feel immediate relief from the itching and discomfort.
- Rosemary oil: Rosemary oil has been used since time immemorial to treat muscle aches and contractures. His anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect It is its main virtue, and you can easily find it in herbalists and specialized stores. You can apply several times a day and you will soon notice how your child's chilblains improve.
Although home remedies are effective, the most important are prevention methods. However, as soon as you observe the first symptoms of chilblains you should go to the pediatrician. In babies and young children they are very annoying injuries and it is important that the doctor check them as soon as possible.