For Sqad - Chilblains

[Greedyfly]

Hello Sqad and those in the know

I think I have chilblains on my toe. I broke the very same toe a few months back and in the last few days it's been absolute agony. I assumed I had knocked it in my sleep or similar.

After some googling it would appear I have chilblains instead.
It's very hot, red, itchy and very painful. I also have Reynauds which probably doesn't help.

This is something I have not suffered with before but the pain is ridiculous (I suffer with pain daily for other reasons and this is a whole new level).

I don't have any blisters but it is very hot red and itchy. How do I know if it's infected? What can I do beside keeping my feet warm and no extreme temps.

Thanks for your help

GF

[Sqad]

If it is one toe........then it sounds more like gout.

Whether chilblains or gout, my advice is the same.

Ibuprofen 400mgms at least every 6 hours.

[Greedyfly]

Forgot to say I can't really painkillers for various reasons. Any topical treatments?

Thanks

[Sqad]

\\\Any topical treatments? \\\

No effective ones.

Why can't you take painkillers?

[amaltman47]

Sounds like gout to me too. If it continues, see your doctor for Naproxin, (Painkiller)

[Greedyfly]

I can't take NSAIDS due to my needing a Fundiplication surgery. I get severe reflux that I take a muscle relaxant for which makes me very drowsy. Can't raje Codeine or stronger and Paracetamol does nothing.


All of which is causing me trouble with the long term pain I have. The only successful painkiller I've found is Tramadol and that isn't ideal either.

Will have to grin and bear it.

Thanks

[Greedyfly]

Take*

[Sqad]

Good luck Greenfly.

I can see you problem and understand your situation.

Pain of reflux versus the pain of gout.

This is a situation where no website can help.

Me? I would take a chance on the NSAIDs.

[Greedyfly]

I may take them but less dose and see how that goes

[Cloverjo]

I used to buy tablets that helped to prevent chilblains. I'm afraid I can't remember what they're called. It was a long time ago. I think they thinned the blood to aid circulation. You could ask your pharmacist. They made me feel a bit light-headed, though.
For now, it's best to keep your feet fairly cool (but not too cold), as the itching is unbearable if your feet are hot.

[boxtops]

Could you use something external for pain control if your GP prescribed it? I can't take Ibuprofen as I have a sensitivity to aspirin, my GP gave me a Ketoprofen rub.

[237SJ]

Are you allowed to use ibuprofen gel? Or Volterol.

[bunkmoreland]

Greedy,I was plagued by chilblains all over my feet. Very red,hot swollen and driving me mad itchy!My doctor prescribed adelat retard tablets. They let the blood flow more freely. They are actually "heart" type tablets so are not always used. I suggested them to a local butcher who had chilblains in his hands due to the cold conditions he worked in. The next time I saw him,he thanked me so much cos he had gone to his dr, and the tablets had worked for him as well!

[bunkmoreland]

I would also add Greedy,if you can use cotton only socks on your feet,they cause less heat build up

[Bathsheba]

This worked for me when I had them a few years ago

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Snowfire-2163343-18g-Ointment-Stick/dp/B001RYOOPA

x x

[Sqad]

Greedy......looking at the posts, i think that we are mixing up the diagnosis of gout and chilblains, as the point of transdermal Nsaids have been mentioned.

On the basis the diagnosis being gout, then creams will be of little value as the amount of steroid absorbed through the skin, will not be sufficient.

[atalanta]

I have Raynaud's, and sometimes get chilblains. This does not sound like chilblains, since they do hurt, but not that much. If it is chilblains, however, try to get some Snowfire ointment. Very old-fashioned, so you need an old-fashioned chemist's.

[Bathsheba]

@ atalanta.....did you see my link up there....^ ^ ?

[Greedyfly]

Thanks all

[EDDIE51]

I was always told chiblanes were due to cold temperatures . I had them as a child , our house was VERY cold, often below freezing in the bedroom. I can remember waking up to find my drink of water had frozen solid in the night.
Our only heating was a coal fire in the living room.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilblains

[Greedyfly]

That was why I thought it was Chilblains. Due to an existing problem I wear flat shoes like ballet pumps year round with no socks. The cold recently has been more extreme and I had a hot bath the same night I got the beginnings of the pain.

So I assumed I had annoyed it going from very cold to hot so quickly.

Pain has reduced but the heat and itching is still driving me mad. Patience is a virtue I do not possess.