The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Potato and Salt
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 01/09/2025
★★★★★
Raw Potato – A Domestic Remedy for Chilblains.
From the book: Medical Council – A Monthly Journal for the Physican and Surgeon. Volume 15, p. 59. 1910
TO THE MEDICAL COUNCIL: For frozen feet or chilblains, slice up some raw potatoes, sprinkle salt over them, let stand twelve hours, and bathe the parts with the brine formed by the salt with the water exuding from the potatoes. It is simple, but has been very successful in my hands.
W. G. PEIRSOL, M.D. Avon, Ill
Potato and Salt. Like onion juice, potato juice is also very rich in nutrients and these nutrients help the body in getting relief from the damaged blood vessels. The juice also helps in reducing the itching and inflammation from the skin. You can apply the juice 3 to 4 times in a day for best results.
Make a potato poultice and add salt, apply it on the affected area. This formula is great to get relief from swelling, redness and itching.
Potato water. Potatoes contain a variety of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial to the body and good for the skin. Potato can help reduce the itching and inflammation caused by chilblains due to its anti-irritant and soothing properties. It is also effective in treating blisters that may develop with chilblains. Boil 1 or 2 potatoes in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the solution to cool down and wash area with water.
Cucumber
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 09/11/2024
★★★★★
Cucumber Remedy: CHILBLAINS, RUSSIAN REMEDY.
A common remedy for chilblains among the peasants in Russia is the rind of perfectly ripe cucumbers, dried with the soft parts attached, and placed with the inner side, previously soaked in warm water, over the sore parts. Dumitriefsky confirms the efficacy of this remedy. (Med. Zeitung.) From the book: A Cyclopaedia of Practical Receipts: And Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufacturing and Trades 2nd Ed. Page 249,1845 by Arnold James Cooley.
In otherwords, a cucumber poultice: Before going to bed. Peel a cucumber and apply the inside peel to the area overnite.
Lemon Juice
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 03/30/2024
★★★★★
Lemon juice is very rich in useful nutrients that help in improving the health of your skin. – Undiluted lemon juice, taken internally and applied to the skin, is an old folk remedy. You have to apply fresh lemon juice on the affected areas to treat the symptoms of itching and inflammation. This remedy also works against fungal chilblains. Not only this, it is also advised to consume lemon juice every day to help the blood vessels to recover effectively.
Lemon for Chilblains - BANISH THOSE CHILBLAINS - Chronicle (Adelaide SA 1895 - 1954) - 15 May 1930 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/90055490
I have found that mixing lemon juice with Aloe vera gel “fresh” or Glycerin 1:1 ratio applied 2x daily for a week works great (see article below). Or, You can apply lemon juice “undiluted” directly to the affected part of skin few times in a day.
Lemon and Glycerin for Chilblains - HOW TO CURE CHILBLAINS. - The Lilydale Express and Yarra Glen Wandin Yallock Upper Yarra Healesville and Ringwood Chronicle (Vic. 1898 - 1914) - 21 Jun 1912
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/258396902
Diagnosing Chilblains
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 03/22/2024
Also, look up “palmar erythema”.
And yes, be concerned about it. It's a sign of an underlying health condition.
Diagnosing Chilblains
Posted by Cashew (London, UK) on 03/22/2024
Last year when we had prolonged cold weather one of my hands started getting red and itchy. After a bit of research on Google it seemed like chilblains was the reason.
However, more recently, in cold weather, that hand is still turning red but sometimes purple. Once my hand warms up the colour disappears. Is this something I should be worried about?
Apple and Table Salt
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 02/07/2024
★★★★★
How to Cure Chilblains
“A simple and homely remedy, which immediately relieves the irritation and pain caused by chilblains, is salt and fresh apple juice.
The affected parts are rubbed gently with a slice of apple dipped in common salt. A good juicy apple should be used.”
From the Book: Table Talk, Volume 29, Issue 1, page 43,1914
Eucalyptus Oil
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 01/06/2024
★★★★★
For Chilblains, apply oil of eucalyptus frequently applied with a camel's hair brush relieves pain and soon cures. From the book:
The Medical Summary, March 1898 to February 1899 Vol 20 page 224.
Note: A camel-hair brush is a type of paintbrush with soft bristles made from natural hairs, usually squirrel. Actual camel hair is not a suitable material.
Urine
Posted by Nora (Argyll and Bute) on 01/30/2023
Thank you for confirming the urine/chilblains method.
My Grandfather told me about this 55 years ago.
I'm now living in freezing Scotland.. I love this country; but I need to negotiate my chilblain problem. Xxxx.
Hydrogen Peroxide Napkin Plaster
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 05/25/2021
★★★★★
Hydrogen Peroxide Napkin Plaster for Toe Chilblains:
Give this a try. It worked for me. This remedy also works on toe nail fungus. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to eliminate fungi causing chilblains and add O2 to the blood stream in the toes.
Fold down a paper towel or napkin just enuff to cover your toenails completely, top, sides and bottom. Then place napkin in a bowl and saturate the napkin with 3% H2O2 brown bottle. Wrap the napkin over your toes, top and bottom. Tuck and fold the sides of the napkin and put a recycled bread bag over your foot (I tried using plastic-wrap but it leaked everywhere and soaked the socks). Then put on an old sock to keep everything in place. This way you can move around the house freely.
You will need to do this for a few hours or over-nite, everyday for 10-14 days.
Don't forget to change and clean all your socks, sandals & shoes or at least pour ACV in your shoes every time if you suspect fungal infection.
Source of idea: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/fungus8.html#h2o2_190829
Eliminate Dairy and Gluten
Posted by Karen (Michigan) on 11/02/2020
★★★★★
My journey with chilblains started over 10 years ago. It felt like my toe was stuck in a small hole in a nylon stocking. Like it was being strangled. Drove me bonkers. Then it always hurt more at nightime. The intense itching and pain kept me awake. Some nights I just wanted to grab scissors and just snip them off because the itch was intense along with the pain.
My first trip was to foot doctor. They did every test. Circulation checked. Nope. Finally years later internist sent me to vascular surgeon after he couldnt figure it out.
Vascular surgeon did catheterization and concluded it was vasculitis. Explained what it was, said it was an inflammation on the lining outside of the artery wall, gave remedy to help with it. After 2 more years of it not clearing I called him up and went in. I told him my vasculitis was not clearing. He sent me to a rheumatoid doctor thinking it was auto immune.
That doctor ordered so many blood tests I thought I was ready for embalming! Seventeen vials later, nothing showed up in all the tests. I ended up researching on my own. Chilblains popped up and I found pictures of it and it matched what my toes looked like. Further research led me to check here.
I too went on a gluten free diet and found relief. Had gluten 2 days in a row and guess what is keeping me awake tonight? Maddening itch and painful toes! This is 2nd time the itch came back. Both times I had gluten. I have yet to go dairy free, but will chart my response on that.
Zinc Oxide Cream
Posted by Sarah (Arkansas) on 02/05/2018
★★★★★
I've found that using zinc oxide has helped me tremendously. I started having this problem with my toes 3 years ago - red bumps, rash and swelling. I could hardly walk and wearing shoes was almost unbearable! No prescription medicines nor anything else I tried seemed to help. Then, as mysteriously as the symptoms appeared, they cleared up as winter ended! The red bumps always start on my 2nd toe, then a rash would appear on all my toes. The 2nd winter, it had spread to two toes when I started using over-the-counter extra strength diaper rash paste with zinc oxide. In the morning after showering, I dry my feet thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of the paste. I apply once per day during the winter months. I also change my socks and/or shoes twice a day and try to avoid extreme temperature changes. This is now my 3rd year dealing with chilblains (which my doctor diagnosed as a fungus) and diaper rash paste works for me!
Rubbing Alcohol
Posted by Deb W. (Wisconsin) on 11/09/2016
★★★★★
This is an easy one. I had chilblains. I didn't know what they were at first. I mentioned it to my Dad and he told me to use rubbing alcohol. So, I put some on a cotton ball and rubbed my toes with it. Didn't take to many days and it was gone. So to keep it from coming back, I put the rubbing alcohol on my toes before I went outside to keep it from coming back. I have no need for it anymore.
Eliminate Dairy and Gluten
Posted by Maddie (Melbourne) on 06/27/2016
★★★★★
Cutting gluten and sugar worked for me too. I had chilblains every year for over 10 years - to the point I could never remove my ring for 3 months each winter - and the only year I didn't get them was after severely reducing gluten and fructose.
Epsom Salt and Coconut Oil
Posted by Trish (Whanagui, New Zealand ) on 07/21/2015
★★★★★
I looked on this site for help with chilblains on my toes. They were so painful I could barely walk. I decided to soak my feet in warm water with Epsom salts and then massage with coconut oil. I went to bed noticing my toes felt quite hot but comfortable. Felt a bit better in the morning and took 2 anti flams. By mid day there was hardly any discomfort. I am not sure what worked but am repeating it again hoping to be rid of them by tomorrow. I am excited to say the least. Thanks everyone who posted their helpful hints.
Elevate Feet, Exercise
Posted by Paul G. (Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 02/14/2015
I tried massaging / rubbing my big toe as soon as I noticed the chilblain. That made it much worse! Right now I'm elevating my leg. That seems to help a little.
Elevate Feet, Exercise
Posted by Ria (London, Uk ) on 02/10/2015
★★★★★
Only one way out of this. Please apply any cream that heats up like red heat, Vicks vaporub, tiger balm and wear socks, it will go away within 1 week, I assure you.
Elevate Feet, Exercise
Posted by Renee Wagner (Iowa, US) on 01/07/2015
This is the third year I've gotten Chilblains. It's truly miserable. The first year, I didn't know what the heck it was. Last year was horrible and this year, well, doesn't look any better. I'm going to try the tea tree oil and coconut oil. I have those at home. Calamine and cortisone did not help at all. I bought diabetic socks which help slightly. I'm always cold. My doc advised last year not to warm my feet up too fast or with too hot of water. My feet were so ugly after this. I have an episode every two weeks until March or April. I wouldn't get a pedicure until all the blood blisters healed. Ibuprofin helps me with the pain and stops some of the itching. Good luck to anyone who gets this.
Eliminate Dairy and Gluten
Posted by Christian (South Australia) on 06/19/2014
★★★★★
Every winter I would get annoying chilblain....until by luck I found out that if I stop consuming dairy and gluten products I would not get the chilblains during that winter....no matter how cold it was;) Don't ask me why it works....I just know that it does for me! Maybe give it a shot and have a chilblain-free winter!!!!
Peppermint and Neem Oils
Posted by Mary (Utica, Ny) on 03/30/2014
★★★★★
Chilblains Treatment: My husband has suffered with red, raw toes for years. This occurs only in the winter time. While researching this site there was no doubt he has Chilblains. We started trying different suggestions. Peppermint oil, helped. Went to health food store they suggested neem oil. We mixed the two oils together, applied twice each day. Unbelievably, redness is gone and so is the pain. He will keep applying till cold weather is over.
Elevate Feet, Exercise
Posted by Jay (Warrenville,il) on 12/31/2013
★★★★★
Thanks for sharing this after you got well. I have the same exact symptoms and I was deeply worried about infections, gout, etc which are difficult to treat. Perhaps if I had gone to a doc they would have prescribed some antibiotics thinking it some infection. We people with internet can be better in diagnosis. Once again, thanks for sharing
Silica Gel
Posted by Joey L (Oxford, Uk) on 03/29/2013
★★★★★
I have got to share this nugget of wisdom I have found for relieving chilblains...
Selica Gel. The packets you get when you buy new items, to keep them dry. Put some in your socks and wear them. This has gotten me through a working day on my feet without aggravating the soreness, and I believe it helps clear up the condition from keeping the feet from getting too humid/wet.
Vitamin K
Posted by Lanna (Wichita, Kansas) on 03/22/2013
Amb - Wow... You have tried a lot of things. I am curious if you think the vitamin K helped at all? I hope that you found something that worked for you.
Vitamin K
Posted by Amb (Des Moines, Iowa) on 02/12/2013
Thanks for sharing Lanna. I'm going to get some vitamin K tomorrow! I had a red bump on the top of my 2nd toe... Started about 3 weeks ago. I thought I got bit by a spider in the night. Then after a few days it was the same red and swollen blister like on my little toe and the 2nd toe on the other foot. They really got itchy and burned. I refused to scratch it. Drove me crazy! My toes have been really cold lately too! I tried some antifungral cream cause I thought it was athletes foot. Although it was on the tops of my toes.... Didn't look like athletes foot. The creame sorta helped the itch for a little while. After about 2 weeks I decided enough was enough and go to the doctor. She agreed and said athletes foot and gave me an oral antifungral. After a week from that, still nothing. The only relief I have gotten is by soaking my feet in water I boiled ginger root in. I am convinced it's chilblains and not athletes foot. I just started taking ginger root, cayenne and hawthorn berry supplements. As they improve circulation. I am also using a topical cayenne and ginger ointment and tea tree oil. Getting relief from that also. I thing massaging it in helps. I am going to add the vitamin K to the mix. Guess if anything, I should have better circulation to work out!
Vitamin K
Posted by Lanna (Wichita, Kansas) on 02/01/2013
★★★★★
My 12 year old son has been suffering from chilblains on his toes. He has cerebral palsy and is nonverbal, so is unable to really tell us what is wrong. We first noticed that he was having difficulty walking. It wasn't until his toes swelled up and turned red/bluish that we could narrow it down to chilblains. His feet were very cold to the touch also. The pain was the most difficult as it got so bad that he refused to walk at all.
As I was searching for ideas to help him I came across somebody who mentioned that years ago they were given vitamin K tablets by their doctor and it had cleared it up. I googled "chilblains and vitamin K" and came across an article from 1947 on the NIH website that claimed success with vitamin K. At this point I figured I had nothing to lose - my son's toes were looking quite bad and he was miserable - and there wasn't much the doctor could do.
I happened to have a store brand of Advanced K2 Complex capsules on hand. I gave the first dose before bedtime that night and then did two doses a day after that. By that afternoon he was up and walking. Still a little tender, but the swelling had gone down and obviously the pain was much improved. We are now on day three and he is almost back to normal. I was so happy to see these results that I had to share.
Aloe Vera, Propolis, Manuka Honey
Posted by Wednesday (Tokyo, Japan) on 01/12/2013
Do you apply the propolis to the affected area or drink it? I have propolis (the kind you drink, 1 tsp a day).
