Chilblains in Children: What parents need to know

Did your child come in from the cold with red, itchy, or purple swellings on their toes or fingers? It’s likely chilblains. While they look alarming, they are rarely serious.

Before you reach for the radiator, watch this 90-second essential guide:

⚡ The Chilblains “Cheat Sheet”

Question	The Quick Answer
What is it?	Inflammation from warming up cold skin too quickly.
The Big “No”	No radiators, no hot water, and no vigorous massage.
The Best Fix	Slow, natural rewarming at room temperature.
Healing Time	Usually 1 to 3 weeks.
The Secret Cause	Tight school shoes! (They restrict circulation).

🛑 The Golden Rule: Rewarm Slowly

A mistake is trying to “shock” the heat back into cold feet. This causes the small blood vessels to leak, leading to that painful itch and swelling.

❌ AVOID: Radiators, hot water bottles, and running hot taps over the skin.
❌ AVOID: Vigorous massage. Rubbing the skin hard to “friction-warm” it can damage the fragile tissue.
✅ DO: Let them warm up naturally at room temperature. Offer a warm drink

💊 Quick Treatment Tips

For the Itch: Apply calamine lotion or a plain, unperfumed moisturiser.
For the Pain: Ibuprofen is often better than paracetamol here because it targets the inflammation. Check the bottle for the correct dose for your child’s age.
For the Scratching: If they can’t stop, a light cotton sock at night can help prevent them from breaking the skin.

🚩 When to Call Your GP

Most chilblains heal on their own. However, seek medical advice if:

You see pus or spreading red streaks (signs of infection).
Your child has a fever alongside the swellings.
The skin has broken down into an open sore or ulcer.
The chilblains haven’t improved after 3 weeks.

👟 One Final Tip: Check the Shoes!

In 2026, we may see many chilblains made worse by “The January Squeeze.” If your child’s school shoes have become tight since September, they restrict blood flow. Make sure they have enough room to wiggle their toes even with thick socks on!

Baby and Child Health