In this episode of The PODdoctors podcast, Dr. Damien Dauphinee, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, and Dr. Raafae Hussain, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, dive deep into a lesser-known yet intriguing condition called chilblains. Characterized by itchy, red, and tender skin lesions, chilblains is often exacerbated by cold, damp conditions, without necessitating freezing temperatures. Leveraging their practical experience, Dr. Dauphinee and Dr. Hussain delineate the distinction between chilblains and related conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon and frostbite. The doctors also provide tips for prevention and treatment, including wearing thick socks, using topical medications, and avoiding hot foot baths.

Quotes

• "When chilblains occurs, you can put your feet in lukewarm water for a certain period of time. Not blazing hot, not boiling. You just want them to be lukewarm. If this is a more chronic problem, it flares up every couple months, or during the cold weather, your doctor might prescribe something topical.” -Dr. Raafae Hussain

• “Between chilblains and frostbite, the difference is temperature. So it doesn't require a frigid 20, you know, in the teens Fahrenheit to cause chilblains. It could, like we talked about, be in the forties outside.” -Dr. Damien Dauphinee

Top Takeaways:

• Chilblains: a condition characterized by itchy, red, and tender skin lesions, often exacerbated by cold, damp conditions, without necessitating freezing temperatures.
• Individuals with a history of Raynaud's or who are smokers may be more susceptible to developing chilblains.
• While self-limiting, recommendations include lukewarm foot baths, topical steroids, or vasodilators like topical Nitroglycerin for acute cases. Systemic medications are considered for more chronic issues.
• Appropriate insulative clothing and thick socks are key preventive measures during cold weather, especially for slender individuals who may be more prone to the condition.
• Patients with sensory loss due to neuropathy should take extra caution when using heat-related treatments to prevent accidental burns.

What You Will Learn:

• What is chilblains?
• The difference between chilblains and frostbite
• Treatment options and prevention tips
• Neuropathy Consideration

Resources:

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