Chilblains
Chilblains are small, itchy patches that can appear on your skin after you've been in the cold. They usually clear up on their own. You may need to see a GP if they do not go away.Symptoms of chilblains
Chilblains usually appear a few hours after you've been in the cold.
You mostly get them on your fingers and toes. But you can also get them on your face and legs.
Things you can do to ease chilblains
Chilblains usually go away on their own in 2 to 3 weeks.
There are some things you can try that may help and stop them from coming back.
A pharmacist can help with chilblains
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- lotion that may help to soothe any itching
- if you need to see a GP
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
You have chilblains and:
- your skin is not getting better after 2 to 3 weeks
- there is pus coming out of your skin
- your temperature is very high, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
- you keep getting chilblains
- you have diabetes – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
Sometimes a GP may prescribe a medicine that helps to widen your blood vessels, which can help chilblains.
What happens at your appointment
A GP will check your symptoms to see if you have chilblains.
They may need to refer you for tests with a specialist if they're not sure why you're getting chilblains.
Causes of chilblains
You can get chilblains when it's cold. The cold makes the blood vessels in your fingers and toes get smaller. This stops blood moving around as easily.
Chilblains happen when the blood vessels deep in your skin stay small, but the vessels closer to the surface of your skin get bigger as you warm up. This causes pain or itching and changes in skin colour.
Page last reviewed: 22 April 2026
Next review due: 22 April 2029